Genetic Polymorphisms at Three Loci of PRLR and FSHR Gene Correlate with Litter Size in Chinese Haimen Goat

Using PCR-SSCP method, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms at three reproduction associated loci and litter size were explored in Chinese Haimen goat. The results showed that intron 1 of Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) gene had two genotypes and three genotypes were also found in intron 2 of the same gene while no polymorphism was detected in FSHR gene. The least square analysis and multiple comparisons of the polymorphisms at PRLR gene loci and litter size indicated that variations of PRLR gene intron 2 correlated extremely significantly with litter size in Haimen goat. These findings demonstrated that PRLR gene could be used as a candidate genetic marker for fecundity in goat.