The effect of the F gene on characteristics of Booroola x Romney
ram sperm
R.W. Moore, J.K. Woolhouse and M.C. Wilson
MAFTech, Whatawhata Research Centre, Hamilton, MAFTech, Ruakura
Agricultural Centre, Hamilton and Physics Department, University of
Auckland, Auckland
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1989, 49: 81-84
Although the Booroola F gene increases litter size in the ewes
by one lamb there have been no unequivocal reports of its expression in
the ram. In this report the presence of the F gene in the ram has been
shown to increase sperm swimming speed and a sperm activity index as
measured by a dual and single beam laser respectively. The lambing rate
of ewes artificially inseminated with sperm from rams with the FF
genotype was slightly higher than those inseminated with sperm from rams
without the F gene.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Booroola; F gene; laser; sperm swimming speed; activity index;
ewe fertility
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Last Updated 18-03-1997
