Association analysis of nucleotide polymorphisms in growth hormone (GH) and its receptor (GHR) with body weight in Californian rabbits

The objective of the present study was to evaluate influence genotypes two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – c.78C>T located in growth hormone gene (GH) and c.106C>G receptor (GHR) on individual body weight (IBW) during growing period at 35, 70 90 d age a total 107 weaned Californian breed rabbits. restriction fragments obtained revealed that 74.8% rabbits carrying SNP 52.3% were heterozygous, which indicated moderate level genetic diversity this population. Association analysis based single-gene approach polymorphism GH had significant effect (P<0.05) age. highest IBW (2530.4±66.6 g) observed TT genotype, detected individuals significantly affected by dominance effect. Significant differences between with homozygous CC genotype those heterozygous CG genotype. (2462.0±198.3 additive A nine combined SNPs found study, only four major groups (CT/CC, CC/CG, CT/CG, CT/GG) concerned diplotype analysis. CT/CC CC/CG combinations, CT/GG diplotypes. However, (2447.2±213.8 combinations. coefficient determination for (R2=10.8%) high In conclusion, results suggested GHR could be useful candidate genes improve performance potential application rabbit breeding programmes.