Effect of Booroola fecundity (FeCB) gene on litter size and scope for exploitation of Nilagiri synthetic sheep

Abstract Background The Nilagiri Synthetic was evolved at the Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilgiris, by crossing Nilagiri with Merino and Rambouillet sheep in the year 1986 and performances evaluated by Iyue in the year 1993. Nilagiri Synthetic sheep are maintained for mutton and fine wool production. The presence of FecB mutation, which increases fecundity, has been confirmed recently in Nilagiri Synthetic breed. Methods To find out the scope for utilizing this mutation in the breeding programme to exploit the population, evaluation of effect of this mutation on litter traits was carried out. Litter sizes were compared between non-carrier wild type (++) and carrier (B+) ewes. Result The litter size at birth was 1.09 ± 0.10 and 1.60 ± 0.10, respectively. The litter size at weaning was 1.09 ± 0.11 and 1.56 ± 0.12, respectively. The litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and lifetime traits of litter size were higher among carrier animals. These results indicate scope for utilising the FecB mutation to improve prolificacy in the Nilagiri Synthetic breed.