The Relationship between lactoferrin gene polymorphism and subclinical mastitis in Awassi ewes
M. Alekish*1, H. Ababneh2, Z. Ismail1 and M. Alshehabat1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan; 2National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Balq'a 19381, Jordan
*Correspondence Email: moalekish@just.edu.jo
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine lactoferrin (LF) gene polymorphism in Awassi ewes and milk LF concentration and their relationships with somatic cell count (SCC) and milk bacterial culture results in Awassi ewes affected with subclinical mastitis. Milk and whole blood samples from 130 adult lactating ewes were collected and LF gene polymorphism and sequence were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). Milk LF concentration was determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Somatic cell count was determined manually and milk bacterial culture was performed as per routine laboratory procedures. One allele of LF gene was found (allele A) that controlled one genotype (AA) with a frequency of 100%. Digestion of the RFLP-PCR product using EcoRI enzyme confirmed the absence of allele B due to a single mutation at G to C site. There was a statistically significant correlation (r = -0.80, p < 0.05) between LF concentration and SCC (log2) in milk of ewes with subclinical mastitis. In addition, a statistically significant correlation (r = -0.60, p < 0.05) was found between the mean LF concentration in milk and the outcome of bacterial culture (growth or no growth). In conclusion, lactoferrin genotype AA could be associated with increased resistance to intramammary infections in Awassi sheep.
Keywords: mastitis, lactoferrin, gene polymorphism, Awassi sheep.
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