PCR-RFLP analysis of PGAM2 gene in two rabbit breeds

Denis Viryanski, Milena Bozhilova-Sakova, Maya Ignatova, Ivona Dimitrova, Mostafa Helal

Abstract: The present study was conducted in order to investigate the genetic variability of the PGAM2 gene associated with meat productivity and body weight in rabbits. Blood samples were collected from v. saphena of 60 adult breeding animals from New Zealand White and Californian rabbit breeds (50 does and 10 bucks) from the experimental flocks raised in the rabbit farm, part of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, Bulgaria. The genetic diversity was determined by means of PCR-RFLP method using a specific set of primers and restriction enzyme Csp6I. As a result, it can be concluded that in the tested group of New Zealand White rabbit breed, polymorphism was not detected in the selected region of the PGAM2 gene. All animals were monomorphic for the investigated region and only genotype CC was presented. In California rabbit breed, the genetic diversity was existed in this gene with the presence of two genotypes – homozygous wild genotype CC and heterozygous genotype CT with frequencies 0.70 and 0.30, respectively. The experimental work will continue with further investigation in association of the live weight and different genotypes of the PGAM2 gene in rabbits from Californian breed.

Keywords: genetic diversity; PCR-RFLP; PGAM2 gene; polymorphism; rabbit breeding

Citation: Viryanski, D., Bozhilova-Sakova, M., Ignatova, M., Dimitrova, I. & Helal, M. (2024). PCR-RFLP analysis of PGAM2 gene in two rabbit breeds. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 30(3), 523–526

Date published: 2024-06-25