Abstract：The Booroola gene FecB（Fec, fecundity; B, Booroola） is the first major gene for prolificacy identified in sheep (Ovis aries). The FecB locus is situated in the region of ovine chromosome 6 corresponding to the human chromosome 4q22-23 that contains the bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (BMPR-IB) gene. A nonconservative substitution (Q249R) in the BMPR-IB coding sequence was fully associated with the hyperprolific phenotype of Booroola ewes. PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP methods for high prolificacy major gene FecB in sheep have been established in the present study. The detection results of 6 647 sheep including Small Tail Han, Hu, Chinese Merino, East Friesian, Dorper, Suffolk, Texel, Dorset, Corriedale, German Mutton Merino, South African Mutton Merino and crossbred sheep indicated that these two methods displayed accurately genotyping, good stability and reliability. Moreover, the detection results of 6 647 sheep using these two methods were identical. The detection results showed that both Small Tail Han and Hu sheep carried the same FecB mutation (A746G) as found in Booroola Merino sheep. Chinese Merino, East Friesian, Dorper, Suffolk, Texel, Dorset, Corriedale, German Mutton Merino and South African Mutton Merino sheep did not have FecB mutation.
