Polymorphisms in BMPRIB gene affect litter size in Chinese indigenous sheep breed.

The BMPRIB gene belongs to the TGF-β superfamily and is considered to be a regulator of sheep reproductive performance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BMPRIB gene in the Small Tail Han, Hu, Mongolian, Oula, Gansu Alpine Fine-wool, Dorper and Australian White sheep were detected by Sanger sequencing. Five SNPs (rs427897187 G > A, rs418841713 A > G, rs159952533 T > C, rs429416173 C > A and rs403555643 A > G) of BMPRIB gene were identified. For rs427897187 G > A, further analysis revealed that genotype GG and GA had 0.26 (p   G, further analysis revealed that genotype GG and AG had 0.65 (p   A and rs403555643 A > G are potential molecular markers wich could improve litter size of Chinese indigenous sheep and be used in Chinese indigenous sheep breeding.