The investigation of SNP in SOCS2 gene associated with mastitis resistance, milk composition, and quality in Awassi sheep.

Abstract Background Mastitis is commonly known as udder infection in dairy animals which in severe cases can cause death in livestock. Farmers face financial losses yearly because milk yield and components such as milk fat are reduced due to mastitis incidence. The milk products obtained from sheep milk all over the world rely on its high-fat content and increased milk yield. However, the incidence of clinical mastitis is a reason for increased somatic cell count. The milk fat content and yield are severely affected by the increased somatic cell count. Our study aimed to investigate the presence of a particular SNP rs868996547, which is related to milk somatic cell count, fat, and yield. Methods In this study, lactation data obtained from 210 healthy Awassi ewes were used. The milk content data, fat, protein, lactose, milk solids, and somatic cell count were collected. The DNA extraction was done by using a blood DNA extraction kit from Qiagen. To validate the presence of SNP we sent our SNP id number to Thermofisher Scientific for designing a custom SNP detection Assay. Conclusion Our results showed that SNP was present in some Awassi ewes while it was absent in others. The study results showed that there was a significant association between the SNP presence and SCC and milk fat content and milk yield.