GENE EXPRESSION, HORMONAL AND METABOLITES LEVEL IN RELATION TO EGYPTIAN SHEEP GROWTH

Abstract

This study aimed to compare growth performance, blood metabolites and expression of IGF-1, GH, and Leptin genes in three different Egyptian sheep breeds across age. Thirty Egyptian sheep males (Barki, Ossimi, and Rahmani) were divided into three age categorize (7 – 9, 10 – 12, and 13 - 16 months). Blood plasma was isolated (3000 rpm /20min) to determine (IGF-I, and leptin) hormones, blood metabolites (glucose, total protein, and total lipids). In addition, 2 ml of blood samples were used for genetic assay for three genes related to growth (GH, IGF-1, and leptin). The results showed that there was a significant increase in sheep’s live body weights toward advanced ages, the highest values of linear body measurements were observed in Ossimi breed. There were no significant differences in blood metabolites levels in all sheep breeds. The Barki breed showed a significant up-regulation of GH compared to the Ossimi breed in 7-9 months age category, while Rahmani breed showed a significant up-regulation of GH compared to the Ossimi breed in the 13-16 months age category. Moreover, Barki breed showed a significant down-regulation of IGF-1compared to the Ossimi breed in 7-9 months. Meanwhile, leptin's expression showed significant differences in Ossimi breed between 10-12 months age category and two other age categories. According to age categories, Barki breed showed a significant up-regulation of GH compared to the Ossimi breed in 7-9 months age category. However, Barki breed showed a significant down-regulation of IGF-1 compared to the Ossimi breed in 7-9 months. Meanwhile, Leptin expression showed significant differences in Ossimi breed between 10-12 months age category and two other age categories