Journal article
Association of polymorphisms in leptin and leptin receptor genes with circulating leptin concentrations, production and efficiency traits in sheep
E Jonas, GB Martin, P Celi, L Li, M Soattin, PC Thomson, HW Raadsma
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH | ELSEVIER | Published : 2016
Abstract
The relationships among nucleotide sequence polymorphisms in the genes for leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) and circulating concentrations of leptin and variables related to energy turnover were investigated in a Awassi-Merino crossbred sheep population. Blood sampled at several times during gestation and lactation was used for the assay of circulating leptin and for DNA extraction. Parts of the ovine LEP and LEPR genes were sequenced and, of a total of seven polymorphisms identified, two for each gene were used for genotyping. Feed intake and body weight were recorded for 199 ewes (age 2.9-9.4 years) daily and milk yield and composition were measured. The data were used for associati..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The authors are particularly grateful to: Marilyn Jones and Gina Attard for their assistance in the genome scan and organization of blood samples for the leptin assay; to Dave Palmer, Joe Davis, Renee Deever and the many casual staff who have contributed to the rearing of the lambs, the husbandry of the sheep, and the collation of data; to Marie Wildridge for organization and administration throughout the project. The resource flock and part of the sheep dairy was established with contributions from Tom Grant and Phillip Grant from Awassi Australia and a grant from the Australian Research Council. The research was approved by the University of Sydney Animal Ethics Committee. EJ is currently financed by the Mistra Biotech project.