The Novel Genetic Change in 5’-untranslated Region of Goose Prolactin Gene and their Distribution Pattern in Different Goose Breeds

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

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.

Genetic evaluation of Gir bulls under associated herd progeny testing programme

A study was conducted to predict the expected breeding values of 6 Gir bulls inducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cattle. A total of 222 first lactation 305 days records of Gir daughters born between 2013 and 2017 were analyzed by Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) method using Model VIII of LSMLMW software. The BLUP model included the herd-year-season effect as fixed factor and sires as random factor. The overall average expected breeding value (EBV) was 2563.79 kg. The breeding values of Gir sires ranged between –71.13 to +150.71 kg. The results of the study revealed that the BLUP method discriminated the sires for their breeding values to a larger extent so that the genetically superior bulls can be discriminated from the poor bulls. Based on the results, use of frozen semen doses of two Gir bulls, viz. Pankaj and Bhavik is recommended to breed the Gir cows for increasing the milk production in subsequent generations.