Polymorphism of the melatonin receptor 1A (MNTR1A) gene and association with seasonality of reproductive activity in a local Greek sheep breed.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sheep's reproductive physiology in temperate latitudes (such as Greece), is characterized by seasonality and is also regulated by photoperiodic exposure. Melatonin is the key hormone involved in this regulation. However, the melatonin secretion and therefore the ewes reproductive activity underlies variation, proposed to be linked with the melatonin receptor subtype 1A (MNTR1A) gene structure. This study was designed to investigate the polymorphism of the MNTR1A gene in a local Greek sheep breed and to determine its potential association with reproductive seasonality.

Results

Two groups of farmed ewes, each consisted of 30 individuals, were chosen. Males were introduced in both groups in spring (April). The first group consisted of ewes that showed reproductive ac

SUBMITTER: Giantsis IA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4850675 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature