A review of the occurrence of supernumerary nipples in mammals; with an emphasis on livestock

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 M.Sc. Student of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Historically, the number of nipples is an important trait in relation to the maternal ability of high litter size mammals, it is important to know the genetic function and controlling positions of this trait in the genomes of different species. High litter size domestic animals are potentially dependent on colostrum-derived immunoglobulins due to placental structure in the early hours of life. Therefore, the number of teats plays an important role when there are more offspring in calving than the number of teats. In some cases, even the number of the teat and their position relative to a natural teat is very important. The aim of this report was to investigate the different perspectives of the multiple teat phenomenon in mammals, especially in domestic animals from a genetic perspective. Genomic loci, chromosomes, and involved genes will also be introduced by reviewing the sources and studies related to the extra teat complication in different species, especially cattle, sheep, and goats. Designing breeding strategies for the number of the functional teat in twin animals plays an important role in helping offspring reach the source of colostrum, as well as conducting related genetic research, providing a better understanding of genetic architecture and metabolic-signaling mechanisms for this trait.

Keywords

References

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