Genetic Polymorphism of GH and IGF-1 Genes and Body Measurements Traits in Maghrabi Camel

Abstract

Nonetheless the key roles of growth hormone (GH) and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes in livestock growth traits (including body measurements), few studies deployed them in camels, unlike other livestock species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat). So, this study was performed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of GH and IGF-1 markers, in Maghrabi camels by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing tools, with assessing the impacted live body measurements traits. In this study, 65 blood samples were collected from Maghrabi camel, and different body measurements were valued. Different genotypes of GH and IGF-1 genes were determined, via SSCP-PCR and sequencing tools. The results pointed out one genotype for the IGF-I gene, and three genotypes for the GH gene, with 23.21, 42.85, and 33.95 frequencies, of AA, AB, and BB genotypes, respectively. The sequence analysis showed specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for both A and B alleles. Those SNPs triggered alteration in some of the amino acids. Moreover, individuals of the BB genotype recorded the highest value in body weight, Neck length, Height at lumbar area, Anterior limb length, Neck circumference, and increased Body length associated with the AA genotype. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences, between the three genotypes, for the other body measurements. This study found that Maghrabi camels possess three genotypes of the GH gene and one genotype of the IGFI gene, and the BB genotype of the GH gene was associated with high performance of growth traits. Therefore, it is useful to use camel individuals, with the BB genotype of the GH gene, in camelid breeding programs, to improve live body measurement traits.