Molecular Characterization of Callipyge (CLPG), and Calpastatin (CAST) Genes Related to Weight Gain and Meat Quality in Egyptian Ossimi Sheep

Nassar, Mohamed I.; Badawi, Yasser K.

doi:10.21608/fjard.2025.391651.1125

Molecular Characterization of Callipyge (CLPG), and Calpastatin (CAST) Genes Related to Weight Gain and Meat Quality in Egyptian Ossimi Sheep

Document Type : Research articles.

Authors

Biotechnology Department, Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12618, Egypt

10.21608/fjard.2025.391651.1125

Abstract

This study presented the polymorphisms of the Callipyge (CLPG) and Calpastatin (CAST) genes, assessing their effects on the growth of Egyptian Ossimi sheep. The lambs were categorized into three groups based on birth weight, with each group containing 40 lambs. Whole blood samples were collected from 27 lambs over three consecutive seasons, with three males selected per group each season. Significant differences were observed in average birth and weaning weight, total body gain, and daily body gain among the three Ossimi lamb groups. Genomic DNA was isolated to determine allele frequencies and genotypic polymorphisms in the CLPG and CAST genes using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The CLPG gene was found only in the homozygous ++ genotype, while the heterozygous +L and homozygous LL genotypes were absent. For the CAST gene, the homozygous MM genotype was prevalent, with some heterozygous MN observed, while the NN genotype was not detected. The results indicate that the CLPG gene is monomorphic and unsuitable for marker-assisted selection due to its lack of association with body weight gain in lambs. However, the CAST gene is polymorphic and associated with increased body weight, suggesting its usefulness in breeding programs focused on selection and monitoring of polymorphisms.

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