Abstract :
In the present study, the polymorphisms of kisspeptin (KiSS-1) gene were analyzed in
652 individuals from three goat breeds: Xinong Saanen goats (SG), Guanzhong goats (GZ)
and Boer goats (BG). Three alleles (T, C and G) and four genotypes (TT, TC, CC and TG)
were detected in the intron 2 of KiSS-1 gene by PCR-SSCP analysis. In addition, two single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – T2643C and 8bp base deletions (2677AGTTCCCC)
were identified by DNA sequencing. The SNPs loci were in Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium
in three goat breeds (P < 0.05). After comparing genotypic distribution within three goat
breeds, BG had conspicuous differences from SG and GZ (P < 0.001). Association of polymorphism
with litter size was done in SG and GZ breeds, which showed to be associated
with litter size in both goat breeds. The SNP in goat KiSS-1 gene had significant effects on
litter size (P < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that KiSS-1 gene is a strong candidate
gene that affects litter size in goats
