Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the polymorphism and genetic correlation of INSL3 and WNT2B genes with seasonal estrus and litter size in three different Xinjiang sheep breeds. The genetic diversity of INSL3 and WNT2B genes were analyzed, and their association with litter size and estrous traits were analyzed. The results showed that two SNPs (SNP1, SNP2) were detected in INSL3 gene and there were three genotypes in SNP2 (INSL3 (A100T)), named of AA, AT and TT, A was the dominant allele. Additionally, five SNPs (SNP3, SNP4, SNP5, SNP6, SNP7) were detected in the WNT2B gene and there were three genotypes in SNP4 (WNT2B (G126T)), named GG, GT and TT, G was dominant allele. SNP2 was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in three sheep breeds (P > 0.05). SNP4 was deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in three sheep breeds (P < 0.05). Further, AT genotype of SNP2 (INSL3 (A100T)) could significantly affect the estrus trait in Duolang sheep and Qira black sheep, and related to the litter size in Duolang sheep. The WNT2B significantly affected the estrus and litter size of Duolang sheep and Qira black sheep. INSL3 (A100T) and WNT2B (G126T) may be potential molecular markers for controlling seasonal reproductive trait in sheep.