Vol. 10, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Malarmathi M, Haresh PT, Arunkumar C and Raghavendran VB

Abstract: Cryptorchidism is a common congenital anomaly in male sheep, significantly affecting reproductive and economic viability. This study investigates the genetic basis of cryptorchidism in Mecheri sheep by analyzing the polymorphism of the INSL3 gene, which plays a crucial role in testicular descent. A PCR-RFLP approach was employed to assess variations in exons 1 and 2 using Pst I and Cac 81 restriction enzymes. While exon 1 showed a monomorphic pattern, exon 2 revealed a polymorphic site in 22% of cryptorchid samples. These findings provide initial evidence for the association of the INSL3 gene with cryptorchidism, laying a foundation for further genetic studies.