Polymorphisms of caprine <Emphasis Type="Italic">POU1F1</Emphasis> gene and their association with litter size in Jining Grey goats

Seven pairs of primers were designed to amplify 5′ promoter region, six exons and partial introns and to detect the polymorphisms of POU1F1 gene in five goat breeds with different prolificacy. The results showed that six mutations were identified in caprine POU1F1 gene including C256T in exon 3, C53T and T123G in intron 3, and G682T (A228S), T723G and C837T in exon 6. The former four mutations were novel SNPs in goat POU1F1 gene. The 53 and 123 loci were in complete linkage disequilibrium in five caprine breeds. Regarding the 256 locus, the Jining Grey goat does with genotype CT had 0.66 kids more than those with genotype CC (P < 0.05), while does with genotype GT had 0.63 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype GG at the 682 locus. The present study preliminarily showed an association between allele T at the 256 and 682 loci of POU1F1 gene and high litter size in Jining Grey goats. Totally 16 haplotypes and 50 genotypes were identified at the above six loci in POU1F1 gene of five goat breeds. Three common haplotypes (hap2, hap3 and hap4) were identified in five goat breeds joined. Four specific haplotypes (hap7, hap9, hap11 and hap13) were detected in Jining Grey goats. The predominant haplotype was hap1 (35.29% and 48.25%) in both Jining Grey and Guizhou White goats, while hap4 (50%) in Boer goats, and hap2 (42.86% and 38.75%) in both Wendeng Dairy and Liaoning Cashmere goats. The most frequent genotypes at six loci in the above five goat breeds were hap1/hap2 (14.38%) and hap1/hap4 (14.38%), hap1/hap2 (38.60%), hap4/hap4 (40.91%), hap2/hap4 (26.53%), hap2/hap5 (20.00%), respectively. The Jining Grey goat does with nine genotypes analyzed of POU1F1 gene showed no obvious difference in litter size.     

FSHβ 基因PCR-SSCP多态性及其与济宁青山羊高繁殖力关系的研究

采用PCR-SSCP技术检测促卵泡素b亚基(follicle-stimulating hormone β, FSHβ)基因5′调控区、外显子1和外显子2在高繁殖力山羊品种(济宁青山羊)和低繁殖力山羊品种(辽宁绒山羊、波尔山羊、安哥拉山羊)中的单核苷酸多态性, 同时研究该基因对济宁青山羊高繁殖力的影响。结果表明: 山羊与绵羊的FSHβ 基因该段核苷酸序列同源性为98%。9对引物中, 只有P9的扩增片段存在多态性。P9的扩增片段在济宁青山羊和辽宁绒山羊中检测到AA、AB和AC 3种基因型; 在波尔山羊中检测到AA、CC和AC 3种基因型; 在安哥拉山羊中检测到AA、BB、CC、AB、AC和BC共6种基因型。测序分析发现BB型与AA型相比在外显子2的第94 bp处有G→A突变, 并引起氨基酸改变(丙氨酸→苏氨酸); CC型与AA型相比在外显子2的第174 bp有一处C→T沉默突变。济宁青山羊AA、AB和AC基因型频率分别为0.686、0.137和0.177。AA基因型济宁青山羊产羔数最小二乘均值比AB基因型的多0.78只(P<0.05), 比AC基因型的多0.64只(P<0.05)。     

Association between PCR-SSCP of bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene and prolificacy in Jining Grey goats

The Jining Grey is a prolific local goat breed in P.R. China. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene that controls high fecundity of Inverdale, Hanna, Lacaune, Belclare, Cambridge, and Small Tailed Han ewes was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of Jining Grey goats. According to the sequence of ovine BMP15 gene, six pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 and exon 2 of the BMP15 gene in both high fecundity breed (Jining Grey goats) and low fecundity breeds (Boer, Liaoning Cashmere, and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Two pairs of primers (F1/R1 and F2/R2) were used to amplify the exon 1. Four pairs of primers (F3/R3, F4/R4, F5/R5, and F6/R6) were used to amplify the exon 2. Only the products amplified by primer F5/R5 displayed polymorphism. Results indicated that two genotypes (AA and AB) were detected in prolific Jining Grey goats and only one genotype (AA) was detected in low fecundity goat breeds. In Jining Grey goats frequencies of genotypes AA and AB were 0.10 and 0.90, respectively. Sequencing revealed two point mutations (G963A and G1050C) of BMP15 gene in the AB genotype in comparison to the AA genotype. In Jining Grey goats the heterozygous AB does had 1.13 (p < 0.01) kids more than the homozygous AA does. These results preliminarily showed that the BMP15 gene is either a major gene that influences the prolificacy of Jining Grey goats or a molecular genetic marker in close linkage with such a gene.     

催乳素受体基因外显子10多态性及其与济宁青山羊高繁殖力关系的研究

设计5对引物, 采用PCR-SSCP技术检测催乳素受体(prolactin receptor, PRLR)基因外显子10及部分3′非翻译区在高繁殖力山羊品种(济宁青山羊)和低繁殖力山羊品种(辽宁绒山羊、波尔山羊和安哥拉山羊)中的单核苷酸多态性, 同时研究该基因对济宁青山羊高繁殖力的影响。结果表明: 首次拼接出的山羊PRLR基因外显子10及部分3′非翻译区的核苷酸序列长度为1,118 bp, 与已公布的绵羊、牛、人PRLR基因mRNA相应序列的同源性分别为98.33%、93.92%、74.52%, 与已公布的羊驼PRLR基因部分序列的同源性为78.29%。引物P1、P2与P4扩增片段具有多态性, 其余2对引物的扩增片段不存在多态性。对于P1扩增片段, 在济宁青山羊和辽宁绒山羊中检测到AA型和AB型, 在安哥拉山羊中检测到AA型和AC型, 在波尔山羊中只检测到AA型; 克隆测序表明AB型与AA型相比有两处突变(186G→A和220T→C), 分别导致氨基酸由天冬氨酸变为天冬酰胺、亮氨酸变为脯氨酸; AC型与AA型相比有1处突变(140A→G), 该突变没有导致氨基酸变化; 济宁青山羊AA和AB基因型之间产羔数的最小二乘均值差异不显著(P>0.05)。对于P2扩增片段, 在济宁青山羊、辽宁绒山羊和波尔山羊中都检测到DD型和DE型, 而在安哥拉山羊中只检测到DD型; 克隆测序表明DE型和DD型相比有两处突变(52G→A和122G→A), 其中122 bp处的突变导致氨基酸由精氨酸变为甘氨酸; 济宁青山羊DD和DE基因型之间产羔数的最小二乘均值差异不显著(P>0.05)。对于P4扩增片段, 在济宁青山羊中检测到FF型和FG型, 在辽宁绒山羊中检测到FF型和GG型, 在波尔山羊中只检测到FF型, 在安哥拉山羊中检测到FF型、FG型和GG型; 克隆测序表明GG型和FF型相比在扩增片段的143 bp处发生1处碱基突变(A→G), 并导致氨基酸由蛋氨酸变为缬氨酸; FG基因型济宁青山羊产羔数最小二乘均值比FF基因型的多0.76只(P<0.05)。研究结果初步表明: PRLR基因可能是控制济宁青山羊多胎性能的一个主效基因或是与之存在紧密遗传连锁的一个标记。     

Association Between PCR-SSCP of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Gene and Prolificacy in Jining Grey Goats

The Jining Grey is a prolific local goat breed in P.R. China. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene that controls high fecundity of Inverdale, Hanna, Lacaune, Belclare, Cambridge, and Small Tailed Han ewes was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of Jining Grey goats. According to the sequence of ovine BMP15 gene, six pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 and exon 2 of the BMP15 gene in both high fecundity breed (Jining Grey goats) and low fecundity breeds (Boer, Liaoning Cashmere, and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Two pairs of primers (F1/R1 and F2/R2) were used to amplify the exon 1. Four pairs of primers (F3/R3, F4/R4, F5/R5, and F6/R6) were used to amplify the exon 2. Only the products amplified by primer F5/R5 displayed polymorphism. Results indicated that two genotypes (AA and AB) were detected in prolific Jining Grey goats and only one genotype (AA) was detected in low fecundity goat breeds. In Jining Grey goats frequencies of genotypes AA and AB were 0.10 and 0.90, respectively. Sequencing revealed two point mutations (G963A and G1050C) of BMP15 gene in the AB genotype in comparison to the AA genotype. In Jining Grey goats the heterozygous AB does had 1.13 (p < 0.01) kids more than the homozygous AA does. These results preliminarily showed that the BMP15 gene is either a major gene that influences the prolificacy of Jining Grey goats or a molecular genetic marker in close linkage with such a gene.     

Polymorphisms of BMPR-IB gene and their relationship with litter size in goats

The bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (BMPR-IB) gene was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of goats. According to mRNA sequence of ovine BMPR-IB gene, ten pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of exon 1, exon 2, exon 6 to exon 10 and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the BMPR-IB gene in both high prolificacy breed (Jining Grey goat) and low prolificacy breeds (Wendeng Dairy and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method. Only the products amplified by primers P8 and P10 of the 3′UTR displayed polymorphisms. For primer P8, three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected in Jining Grey and Wendeng Dairy goats, two genotypes (AA and AB) were in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats. Sequencing revealed one mutation (71C→T) of the BMPR-IB gene in genotype BB compared with AA. The differences of least squares mean (LSM) for litter size between genotypes AA, AB and BB were non-significant (P > 0.05) in Jining Grey goats. For primer P10, three genotypes (CC, CD and DD) were detected in Jining Grey and Wendeng Dairy goats and one genotype (CC) in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats. Sequencing revealed one mutation (130T→C) of the BMPR-IB gene in genotype DD compared with CC. The differences of LSM for litter size between genotypes CC, CD and DD were non-significant (P > 0.05) in Jining Grey goats. These results preliminarily showed that the detected loci of the BMPR-IB gene had no significant effect on prolificacy of Jining Grey goats.     

Characterization of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">GHR</Emphasis> gene genetic variation in Chinese indigenous goat breeds

The aim of the present work was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene exon 10, characterize the genetic variation in three Chinese indigenous goat breeds, and search for its potential association with cashmere traits. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) protocol has been developed for rapid genotyping of the GHR gene in goats. One hundred seventy-eight goats from Liaoning Cashmere (96), Inner Mongolia White Cashmere (40), and Chengdu Grey (42) breeds in China were genotyped at GHR locus using the protocol developed. In all goat breeds investigated, a SNP in exon 10 of GHR gene has been identified by analyzing genomic DNA. The polymorphism consists of a single nucleotide substitution A → G, resulting in two alleles named, respectively, A and G based on the nucleotide at the position. The allele A was found to be more common in the animals investigated, and seems to be more consistent with cattle and zebu at this polymorphic site found in goats. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium of genotype distributions of GHR locus was verified in Liaoning Cashmere, and Inner Mongolia White Cashmere breeds. According to the classification of polymorphism information content (PIC), Chengdu Grey was less polymorphic than Liaoning Cashmere and Inner Mongolia White Cashmere breeds at this locus. The phylogenetic tree of different species based on the nucleotide sequences of GHR gene exon 10 is generally in agreement with the known species relationship. No significant association was found between the polymorphism revealed and the cashmere traits analyzed in present work.     

Polymorphism of bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene and its relationship with litter size of Jining Grey goats

Two pairs of primers (P1 and P2) were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of exon 2 and intron 2 of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene in both high fecundity breed (Jining Grey goat) and low fecundity breeds (Boer, Angora and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) by single strand conformation polymorphism. Results showed that no polymorphism was detected for exon 2 (primer P1) of BMP4 gene in four goat breeds. For intron 2 (primer P2), three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected in Jining Grey and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats, two genotypes (AB and BB) in Angora goats, and only one genotype (AA) in Boer goats. Sequencing revealed one mutation (2203G>A) of BMP4 gene in the genotype BB in comparison to the genotype AA. The differences of litter size between AA, AB and BB genotypes were not significant (P > 0.05) in Jining Grey goats. A pair of primer (P3) was designed to detect polymorphism in the 3' flanking region of BMP4 gene that contained dinucleotide repeated sequence (CA) in the four goat breeds by microsatellite analysis. For primer P3, three genotypes (CC, CD and DD) were detected in four goat breeds. Sequencing revealed one more CA dinucleotide in genotype DD than in genotype CC. The Jining Grey does with genotype CC had 0.55 (P < 0.05) or 0.72 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype CD or DD. These results preliminarily indicated that allele C of BMP4 gene is a potential DNA marker for improving litter size in goats.     

Association between expression of reproductive seasonality and alleles of melatonin receptor 1A in goats

To determine whether a link exists between reproductive seasonality and the structure of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene, the latter was studied in year-round estrous breeds (Jining Grey and Boer goats) and seasonal estrous breeds (Liaoning Cashmere, Inner Mongolia Cashmere, Wendeng milk and Beijing native goats). A large fragment of exon 2 of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR using sheep sense and antisense primers in 260 does of six breeds. The uniform 824 bp PCR product was digested with restriction endonucleases MnII and RsaI, and checked for the presence of restriction sites. No polymorphism at the MnII cleavage sites was detected in all six goat breeds and no relationship could be established between the MnII cleavage sites of MTNR1A gene and reproductive seasonality in goats. For polymorphic RsaI cleavage site at base position 53, only genotype RR (267 bp/267 bp) was detected in Jining Grey goats, both genotype RR and genotype Rr (267 bp/320 bp) were found in all other goat breeds, no genotype rr (320 bp/320 bp) was detected in all six goat breeds. Frequency of genotype RR was obviously higher, and frequency of genotype Rr was obviously lower in year-round estrous goat breeds than in seasonal estrous goat breeds. Sequencing revealed one mutation (G52A) in genotype Rr compared with genotype RR. For polymorphic RsaI cleavage site, the differences of genotype distributions were significant (P<0.05) between year-round estrous goat breeds and seasonal estrous goat breeds. These results preliminarily showed an association between genotype RR and year-round estrus in goats, and an association between genotype Rr and seasonal estrus in goats.     

Analysis on DNA sequence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">GPR54</Emphasis> gene and its association with litter size in goats

The kisspeptin/GPR54 pathway is crucial in the process of puberty onset. Six pairs of primers were designed to clone goat GPR54 and scan polymorphisms and one pair of primers to detect polymorphisms of GPR54 in sexual precocious and sexual late-maturing goat breeds. A DNA fragment of 4258 bp of goat GPR54 was obtained, which contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1137 bp and encodes 378 amino acids, having a high homology with other mammals. The protein was predicted to have seven transmembrane regions. There were no base pair variation in exons 1–4 and three base changes (G4014A, G4136A and C4152T) in exon 5 by sequencing and the three mutations may have some correlation with sexual precocity in goats. For the 4152 locus, the Jining Grey goat does with genotype TT and CT had 1.02 and 0.84 (P < 0.01) kids more than those with genotype CC, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between TT and CT genotypes in Jining Grey goat. For the other two loci, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between different genotypes in Jining Grey goats. The present study preliminarily indicated an association between allele T of the 4152 locus in GPR54 and high litter size in Jining Grey goats.     

Genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations using a SNP panel

Information about genetic diversity and population structure among goat breeds is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds. Here, we measured genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations, namely, Nanjiang, Qinggeda, Arbas Cashmere, Jining Grey, Luoping Yellow and Guangfeng goats. A total of 193 individuals were genotyped for about 47 401 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found a high proportion of informative SNPs, ranging from 69.5% in the Luoping Yellow to 93.9% in the Jining Grey goat breeds with an average mean of 84.7%. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity, ranged from 0.371 in Luoping Yellow to 0.405 in Jining Grey goat populations. The average estimated pair‐wise genetic differentiation (F_ST) among the populations was 8.6%, ranging from 0.2% to 16% and indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation. Principal component analysis, genetic structure and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed a clustering of six Chinese goat populations according to geographic distribution. The results from this study can contribute valuable genetic information and can properly assist with within‐breed diversity, which provides a good opportunity for sustainable utilization of and maintenance of genetic resource improvements in the Chinese goat populations.     

Screening of indigenous goats for prolificacy associated DNA markers of sheep

The present study was undertaken to explore the genetic basis of caprine prolificacy and to screen indigenous goats for prolificacy associated markers of sheep in BMPR1B, GDF9 and BMP15 genes. To detect the associated mutations and identify novel allelic variants in the candidate genes, representative samples were collected from the breeding tract of indigenous goat breeds varying in prolificacy and geographic distribution. DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was done using primers designed or available in literature for the coding DNA sequence of candidate genes. Direct sequencing was done to identify the genetic variations. Mutations in the candidate genes associated with fecundity in sheep were not detected in Indian goats. Three non-synonymous SNPs (C818T, A959C and G1189A) were identified in exon 2 of GDF9 gene out of which mutation A959C has been associated with prolificacy in exotic goats. Two novel SNPs (G735A and C808G) were observed in exon 2 of BMP15 gene.     

Genome‐wide population structure and admixture analysis reveals weak differentiation among Ugandan goat breeds

Uganda has a large population of goats, predominantly from indigenous breeds reared in diverse production systems, whose existence is threatened by crossbreeding with exotic Boer goats. Knowledge about the genetic characteristics and relationships among these Ugandan goat breeds and the potential admixture with Boer goats is still limited. Using a medium‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel, we assessed the genetic diversity, population structure and admixture in six goat breeds in Uganda: Boer, Karamojong, Kigezi, Mubende, Small East African and Sebei. All the animals had genotypes for about 46 105 SNPs after quality control. We found high proportions of polymorphic SNPs ranging from 0.885 (Kigezi) to 0.928 (Sebei). The overall mean observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity across breeds was 0.355 ± 0.147 and 0.384 ± 0.143 respectively. Principal components, genetic distances and admixture analyses revealed weak population sub‐structuring among the breeds. Principal components separated Kigezi and weakly Small East African from other indigenous goats. Sebei and Karamojong were tightly entangled together, whereas Mubende occupied a more central position with high admixture from all other local breeds. The Boer breed showed a unique cluster from the Ugandan indigenous goat breeds. The results reflect common ancestry but also some level of geographical differentiation. admixture and f₄ statistics revealed gene flow from Boer and varying levels of genetic admixture among the breeds. Generally, moderate to high levels of genetic variability were observed. Our findings provide useful insights into maintaining genetic diversity and designing appropriate breeding programs to exploit within‐breed diversity and heterozygote advantage in crossbreeding schemes.     

Association Between Sexual Precocity and Alleles of KISS-1 and GPR54 Genes in Goats

KISS-1 and GPR54 were regarded as key regulators for the puberty onset and fundamental gatekeepers of sexual maturation in mammals. To explore the possible association between variations in KISS-1 and GPR54 with sexual precocity, mutation screening of exon 1 of KISS-1 and exon 1, exon 3, and partial exon 5 of GPR54 was performed in a sexual precocious breed (Jining Grey goats) and sexual late-maturing breeds (Inner Mongolia Cashmere, Angora, and Boer goats) by PCR-SSCP. The results showed that five novel mutations were identified in exon 1 and partial exon 5 of GPR54 including C96 T, T173C, G176A, G825A, and C981 T. The Jining Grey goats with genotype BB or AB had 1.07 (P < 0.05) or 0.40 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with AA. The Jining Grey goats with genotype DD or CD had 1.80 (P < 0.05) or 0.55 (P < 0.05) kids more than CC, respectively. The present study preliminarily showed an association between alleles B and D of GPR54 with high litter size and sexual precocity in Jining Grey goats.     

Foraging behaviour of the newly introduced Boer goat breed in a Mediterranean woodland: A research observation

Brush encroachment is reducing pasture and amenity values of rangelands in the upper Galilee, Israel. Local Mamber goats are efficient at preventing brush encroachment, but their low prolificacy and slow growth of their kids prevent profitable farming. Boer goats from southern Africa are deemed to be prolific and rapidly growing, but their ability to exploit Mediterranean woodland and scrubland in Israel was unknown. Simultaneous observations (n = 604) on the eating behaviour of Boer goats imported from Namibia and of local Mamber goats were recorded from May 1997 to January 1998. Socialization between breeds was prevented by keeping them in distinct flocks in two similar paddocks. Boer goats spent less time than Mamber goats in grazing herbaceous species (22 and 44%, respectively), which suggests that Boers would be potentially less competitive to cattle than Mambers in mixed grazing systems. Boers allocated 90% of their eating time to eight species, compared with only four species for Mambers. Browse use on the main encroaching species differed between goat breeds: Mambers spent more time browsing on Sarcopoterium spinosum whereas Boers spent more time on Cistus creticus and Cistus salvifolius. No difference between breeds was observed with regard to Calycotome villosa, the main encroaching species on the range. Boers exhibited a 10% lower bite rate than Mambers, but no difference between breeds was noted in their mass per bite of browse species. Results of this study suggest that Boer goats have the potential to control brush encroachment more than Mamber goats, especially when they are associated with cattle.     

Genetic diversity and investigation of polledness in divergent goat populations using 52 088 SNPs

The recent availability of a genome‐wide SNP array for the goat genome dramatically increases the power to investigate aspects of genetic diversity and to conduct genome‐wide association studies in this important domestic species. We collected and analysed genotypes from 52 088 SNPs in Boer, Cashmere and Rangeland goats that had both polled and horned individuals. Principal components analysis revealed a clear genetic division between animals for each population, and model‐based clustering successfully detected evidence of admixture that matched aspects of their recorded history. For example, shared co‐ancestry was detected, suggesting Boer goats have been introgressed into the Rangeland population. Further, allele frequency data successfully tracked the altered genetic profile that has taken place after 40 years of breeding Australian Cashmere goats using the Rangeland animals as the founding population. Genome‐wide association mapping of the POLL locus revealed a strong signal on goat chromosome 1. The 769‐kb critical interval contained the polled intersex syndrome locus, confirming the genetic basis in non‐European animals is the same as identified previously in Saanen goats. Interestingly, analysis of the haplotypes carried by a small set of sex‐reversed animals, known to be associated with polledness, revealed some animals carried the wild‐type chromosome associated with the presence of horns. This suggests a more complex basis for the relationship between polledness and the intersex condition than initially thought while validating the application of the goat SNP50 BeadChip for fine‐mapping traits in goat.     

Analysis on DNA sequence of KiSS-1 gene and its association with litter size in goats

Three pairs of primers were designed to clone the goat KiSS-1 and scan polymorphisms and four pairs to detect polymorphisms in sexual precocious and sexual late-maturing goat breeds. A 4118 bp DNA fragment was obtained, which contains an ORF of 408 bp and encodes 135 amino acids, having a high homology with other mammals. The protein was predicted containing a signal peptide of 17 amino acids. There are two mutations (G3433A [A86T] and C3688A) in exon 3, three mutations (G296C, G454T and T505A) in intron 1 and a 18 bp deletion (?)/insertion (+) (1960–1977) in intron 2 and no mutations in exon 2. The genotype distribution didn’t show obvious difference between sexual precocious and sexual late-maturing goat breeds and no consistency within the sexual late-maturing breeds. For the 296 locus, the Jining Grey goats with genotype CC had 0.80 (P < 0.01) or 0.77 (P < 0.01) kids more than those with genotype GG or GC, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between GG and GC. For the 1960–1977 locus, the Jining Grey goat does with genotype ?/? had 0.77 (P < 0.01) or 0.73 (P < 0.01) kids more than those with +/+ or +/?, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between +/+ and +/? genotypes. For the other four loci, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between different genotypes in Jining Grey goats. The present study preliminarily indicated an association between allele C of the 296 locus and allele (?) of the 1960–1977 locus in KiSS-1 and high litter size in Jining Grey goats.     

Targeted high‐throughput growth hormone 1 gene sequencing reveals high within‐breed genetic diversity in South African goats

This study assessed the genetic diversity in the growth hormone 1 gene (GH1) within and between South African goat breeds. Polymerase chain reaction‐targeted gene amplification together with Illumina MiSeq next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to generate the full length (2.54 kb) of the growth hormone 1 gene and screen for SNPs in the South African Boer (SAB) (n = 17), Tankwa (n = 15) and South African village (n = 35) goat populations. A range of 27–58 SNPs per population were observed. Mutations resulting in amino acid changes were observed at exons 2 and 5. Higher within‐breed diversity of 97.37% was observed within the population category consisting of SA village ecotypes and the Tankwa goats. Highest pairwise F_ST values ranging from 0.148 to 0.356 were observed between the SAB and both the South African village and Tankwa feral goat populations. Phylogenetic analysis indicated nine genetic clusters, which reflected close relationships between the South African populations and the other international breeds with the exception of the Italian Sarda breeds. Results imply greater potential for within‐population selection programs, particularly with SA village goats.     

None of polymorphism of ovine fecundity major genes FecB and FecX was tested in goat

The polymorphism of mutation Q249R in BMPR-IB gene (FecB) and loci FecX^I, FecX^H, FecX^G, FecX^B in BMP15 gene was analyzed by forced PCR-RFLP method in 550 individuals from 6 flocks or breeds of goats with litter size varied from 1.4 to 2.7 including Boer (209), Haimen (128), second generation of Boer goat crossed with Huanghuai goat (82), Huanghuai (71), Nubi (37) and Matou (23) goat. None of mutations was detected in these goat breeds and their crossbreed. These results suggest that fecundity of goat is not linked to the same loci in BMPR-IB and BMP15 as sheep. Therefore, it is necessary to seek for other genes or loci in order to develop marker assistance selection techniques and study the prolific mechanism of the goat.     

Genotyping of Novel SNPs in BMPR1B,BMP15, and GDF9 Genes for Association with Prolificacy in Seven Indian Goat Breeds

Goats form the backbone of rural livelihood and financial security systems in India but their population is showing decreasing trend. Improvement of reproductive traits such as prolificacy offers a solution to stabilize the decreasing goat population and to meet the nutritional needs of growing human population. In the present study, six novel SNPs in three candidate genes for prolificacy (BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9) were genotyped in seven breeds of Indian goats to evaluate their association with litter size. Tetra primer ARMS-PCR and PCR-RFLP based protocols were developed for genotyping six novel SNPs, namely, T(-242)C in BMPR1B; G735A and C808G in BMP15; and C818T, A959C, and G1189A in GDF9 gene. The effect of breed was highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) on litter size but the effect of genotype was nonsignificant. The effect of parity on litter size was also significant in the prolific Black Bengal breed. The litter size differences observed between breeds are attributed to breed differences. Novel mutations observed at different loci in GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B genes do not contribute to the reproductive capability of the investigated breeds. Further studies with more number of breeds and animals exploring association of these novel SNPs with reproductive traits may be fruitful.