Calpastatin (CAST) Gene Polymorphism in Tsigai and Merinoland Sheep Breeds Under Conditions of the Republic of Crimea

The article presents the results of studying the Calpastatin (CAST) gene polymorphism in Tsigai (n = 23) and Merinoland sheep breed (n = 13). The purpose of the research. The possibility of using PCR-RFLP analysis to detect the Calpastatin (CAST) gene polymorphism in Tsigai and Merinoland sheep was the primary objective of this ongoing study. Research methods. Calpastatin (CAST) gene polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP analysis using the MspI endonuclease restriction. Results. We revealed the diversity of genotypes and allelic variants of the Calpastatin (CAST) gene in Tsigai and Merinoland Breeds. It was found that M allele of the Calpastatin locus is the most common. Frequencies of MM, MN and NN genotypes were found to be 74, 4 and 22 % in Tsigai breed. Among the representatives of Merinoland sheep, the frequencies of MM and MN genotypes were 92 % and 8%, respectively. No animals with NN genotypes were found.