Polymorphisms of the prolactin gene and their association with egg production traits in two Chinese domestic ducks

ABSTRACT

1. Prolactin (PRL) as a polypeptide hormone which plays a crucial role in egg production traits.

2. Polymorphisms of the PRL gene were analysed with DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism methods in two Chinese domestic laying duck breeds (Jinding, n = 400, Youxian, n = 400, respectively).

3. The results showed that one polymorphism was detected (A-412G) in intron 1 of the PRL gene, with three genotypes: AA, AG and GG. Association analysis showed that the ducks with the GG genotype had significantly greater egg production and egg weight than those with AG and AA genotype (p < 0.05). Hence, the 412A > G polymorphism of the PRL gene in intron 1 is a potentially valuable genetic marker for laying duck breeding programmes.

KEYWORDS:

• Duck
• egg production traits
• PCR-SSCP
• polymorphisms
• Prolactin

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System of China [CaRS-43].