author(s)
A Sudharshan and BR Yadav

abstract
Fecundity is the potential reproductive capacity of an individual or population. Identification of the genes affecting twinning rate will increase the basic understanding of the reproductive process and may also be used to improve reproductive efficiency in cattle. However, so far fecundity genes influencing multiple births have not been studied extensively in cattle. An investigation was carried out for identification of Fec B gene (BMPR 1B) polymorphism in cattle, with comparison of DNA fragment between dams bearing twin and singleton. The animals belonged to six breeds viz. pure (Sahiwal and Hariana) and three crossbreeds (Karan Swiss, Karan Fries, Holstein Friesian cross) besides other cross breeds of unknown lineage selected from field. The study involved analysis of genome related to twinning using molecular marker (PCR-RFLP) on Fec B gene. Molecular study was carried out using one primer on the DNA of 26 animals out of which 20 were experimental dams, 6 were control dams. PCR-RFLP analysis of the BMPR-1B gene using AvaII revealed monomorphic band pattern of the wild-type allele in the sampled animals. The study revealed monomorphic pattern of the Fec B gene without influencing twinning trait in cattle.