Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in Growth Hormone Gene of Jamunapuri, a Dairy Goat Breed in India

In the present study, the polymorphism of growth hormone (GH) gene Exon 4 was analyzed as a genetic marker candidate for growth traits in indian goat bucks. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – A1432G (Arg-His103), A1551G (Glu139) and C1578G (Leu148), were identified by GH gene sequencing analysis. At locus A1551G (139E) and C1578G (Lys148) silent mutation were observed. The locus 1432 in exon4 of growth hormone gene was significantly influenced the body weights at 15 days and 12 months and for rest of the growth traits the locus was non-significant in Jamunapuri. The contribution of this locus to total phenotypic variability varied from 0.96 (12 month body weight) to 3.06% (15 day body weight). The animals with genotype ‘AG’ were heavier to the animals with genotype ‘AA and GG’ by 2.34 and 10.31% at 15 days by 4.16 and 6.18% at 12 months, respectively. Similarly the locus significantly influenced hind girth at 6 months and body length at 12 months of age. The contribution of this locus to total phenotypic variability was 5.95 and 6.57% for hind girth at 6 months and body length at 12 months of age, respectively. The animals with genotype ‘AG’ were heavier to the animals with genotype ‘AA and GG’ by 4.11 and 7.11% for hind girth at 6 months and the corresponding superiority for body length at 12 months was 3.65 and 5.59%, respectively. These results indicate that new molecular markers associated with caprine growth traits can be used in MAS (marker-assisted selection) in jamunapuri goat bucks for future genetic improvement.