Expression profiles and association analysis with growth traits of the MyoG and Myf5 genes in the Jinghai yellow chicken

In order to analyze the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MyoG and Myf5 genes with chicken growth traits, PCR-SSCP approach was used to detect the (SNPs). The general linear model was used to analyze gene interaction and genetic effects between different genotypes and growth traits of the Jinghai yellow chicken. For the MyoG gene, three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected in the Jinghai yellow chicken population. Gene sequencing revealed one mutation (T36C) in the genotype BB in comparison to the genotype AA. For the Myf5 gene, three genotypes (CC, CD and DD) were detected in the Jinghai yellow chicken population. Gene sequencing revealed one mutation (A1313G) in the genotype DD in comparison to the genotype CC. Gene interaction effect has significant influence on 6, 8-week-weight and 300-day-weight. The least square analysis showed that individuals with BB genotype of the MyoG gene had higher bodyweight at 2, 4, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks compared to individuals with AA and AB genotypes. Individuals with CD genotype of the Myf5 gene had higher birth weight than individuals with CC genotype (P < 0.05). The interactive genotype AB*DD performs well at 6, 8 weeks and 300 days bodyweight. The results suggested that SNPs of the MyoG and Myf5 genes had certain effects on growth traits of the Jinghai yellow chicken.