Tahreer Mohammed Al-Thuwaini1, Mohammed Baqur Sahib Al-Shuhaib2. 1. Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Babil, Iraq. tahrearmohammed@agre.uoqasim.edu.iq. 2. Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Babil, Iraq.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Genetic factors affect the variability of fatty acid composition in ruminant products. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between the variations of the SCD gene and fatty acid composition in Awassi sheep. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 100 Awassi rams between the ages of one and two and a half years old were used in this study. Blood samples were taken at abattoirs in Babylon, and from each animal, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were taken to measure the fatty acid composition. DNA samples were isolated from each blood sample, then PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) experiments were conducted for genotyping followed by sequencing reactions. The study identified two genotypes (TT and TA) of the SCD gene (exon 3). Several novel variants were discovered in the amplified fragments of the SCD gene. CONCLUSIONS: The TA genotype resulted in increased intramuscular fat and monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the TT genotype. Breeding for the TA genotype could be used for producing meat containing less saturated fatty acids and more monounsaturated fatty acids, making meat more favorable for human consumption.
BACKGROUND: Genetic factors affect the variability of fatty acid composition in ruminant products. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between the variations of the SCD gene and fatty acid composition in Awassi sheep. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 100 Awassi rams between the ages of one and two and a half years old were used in this study. Blood samples were taken at abattoirs in Babylon, and from each animal, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were taken to measure the fatty acid composition. DNA samples were isolated from each blood sample, then PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) experiments were conducted for genotyping followed by sequencing reactions. The study identified two genotypes (TT and TA) of the SCD gene (exon 3). Several novel variants were discovered in the amplified fragments of the SCD gene. CONCLUSIONS: The TA genotype resulted in increased intramuscular fat and monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the TT genotype. Breeding for the TA genotype could be used for producing meat containing less saturated fatty acids and more monounsaturated fatty acids, making meat more favorable for human consumption.
Authors: Faris S Imran; Tahreer M Al-Thuwaini; Mohammed Baqur S Al-Shuhaib; Frederic Lepretre Journal: Biochem Genet Date: 2020-10-13 Impact factor: 1.890