Genetic evaluation of Teleorman Black Head ewes using genes polymorphism for improving milk traits

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to asses specific gene markers associated with the sheep milk production in Teleorman Black Head ewes. For the proper selection of the best candidates for milk production, the genetic markers such as CSN3, BLG and PRL were selected. To detect CSN3, PRL and BLG polymorphisms, genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples collected from 50 ewes. ASA-PCR and PCR-RFLP methods were used for genotyping of animals; the genotypes frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated using R software. In our samples, for CSN3 gene were identified two genotypes (CC and CT), the most frequent being CT genotype (94%). For PRL gene, were identified three genotypes (AA, AB and BB), AA and BB genotypes being the most frequent (36% and 40% respectively). Also, three genotypes were identified for BLG gene (AA, AB and BB), with an increased frequency of AB genotype (44%). These preliminary data will be correlated in the next experiments with phenotypic data, generating important tools for genetic selection of the Teleorman Black Head sheep population.