Journal of Research and Development
Open Access

Abstract

Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Multi-Loci Markers for Studying Genetic Diversity in Kermani Sheep

Mohammadreza Mohammadabadi, Ebrahim Esfandyarpoor and Ali Mousapour

The Kermani sheep has adapted to a tropical region and is an important meat producing animal in Iran and its economic efficiency is mainly dependent on its growth and reproduction ability. The ability of a population to respond adaptively to environmental changes depends on its level of genetic variability or diversity. Thus, genetic diversity in indigenous breeds is a major concern considering the necessity of preserving what may be a precious and irreplaceable richness, regarding new productive demands. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) is the genome region between microsatellite loci. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of Kermani sheep using ISSR markers. DNA was extracted from 100 blood samples of five populations using optimized and modified salting out method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using two ISSR primers (GA)9C and (AG)9C. The amplified PCR fragment sizes ranged from 100 to 3100 bp and primers amplified 28 (A1 to A28) and 36 (G1 to G36) fragments, respectively. Nei’s gene diversity was 0.57 and 0.55 for (AG)9C and (GA)9C respectively. Shannon’s index detected by (AG)9C (0.91) was higher than that of (GA)9C (0.89). Results showed that this breed has high genetic diversity. Given the economic importance and good genetic diversity of this breed, special consideration should be taken to prevent the breed from extinction. Thorough studies should be carried out to help understand the relationship between meat production or wool quality and markers at different loci to ensure these traits are maintained or improved.