Polymorphisms in the 5′-flanking regions of the GH, PRL, and Pit-1 genes with Muscovy duck egg production

Somatotropic axis-related genes contribute to reproduction of ducks. Five SNP in the 5'-flanking regions of the growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and pituitary-specific transcription factor (Pit-1) genes were identified and genotyped in a female population of Muscovy ducks. Association analysis of these SNP with Muscovy duck egg production traits was performed. Results showed that SNP C-515G of GH was significantly associated with egg number in ducks at age 59 wk (E59W; P = 0.0009) and egg number in ducks at age 300 d (E300D; P = 0.0022). Single nucleotide polymorphism C-441T of GH was significantly associated with E59W (P = 0.0014). Significant associations of SNP T-884C and T-335C of PRL with the age at first egg (A1D), E59W, and E300D were detected in this population (P < 0.0001). It was concluded that these 4 SNP might be useful markers to use with the aim of increasing Muscovy duck E59W. On the basis of genetic parameter estimation, the heritability of A1D, E300D, E59W, and molting time were 0.43 +/- 0.04, 0.45 +/- 0.04, 0.36 +/- 0.04, and 0.04 +/- 0.03, respectively. Strong positive genetic correlation was noted between E59W and E300D (correlation coefficient = 0.80), whereas a negative association was noted between E59W and A1D (correlation coefficient = -0.80). Therefore, the selection for improved A1D should also increase E59W.