Polymerase Chain Reaction-single Strand Conformation Research Articles

Identification of poultry species using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and capillary electrophoresis-single strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP) methods

In the last decades, animal species identification became more important to prevent food adulteration. Here, we demonstrate the identification of seven poultry species, chicken, guinea fowl, pheasant, turkey, goose, duck and muscovy duck, through the use of the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and capillary electrophoresis-single strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP) methods. DNA were isolated from poultry meat and meat products and were amplified with universal primers, designed for the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Species-specific patterns and the reliable detection limit were identified as 0.5% for PCR and CE applications. Analyses of commercially available poultry products revealed fraud, as 6 of 36 contained undeclared species. The above-mentioned techniques are sensitive, reproducible and reliable for poultry species identification from foodstuffs.

A novel mutation of the glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GARS) gene associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2D in a Chinese family

Objective:To explore the clinical features of a novel glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GARS) gene mutation in a family with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D).Methods:Exome capture with the next-generation sequencing technique was used to detect gene mutations. The mutations were verified by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique combined with DNA sequencing.Results:In this pedigree, eight members were affected; seven males and one female. The affected members initially manifested with the onset of hand muscle weakness and atrophy in adolescence followed by gradual development of distal lower limb involvement and minor sensory involvement. Electrophysiological studies revealed that this disease mainly involves axonal damage. Genetic detection showed that all affected family members had a heterozygous missense mutation, c.999G>T (p.E333D), of the GARS gene.Conclusions:The c.999G>T mutation is a novel mutation of the GARS gene that has not been previously reported. The phenotype of this family is CMT2D, which is first reported in Chinese population.

Correlation between Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein Gene Polymorphism and mRNA Expression with Intramuscular Fat in Baicheng-oil Chicken.

This study aims to determine the polymorphism and mRNA expression pattern of the heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) gene and their association with intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the breast and leg muscles of Baicheng oil chicken (BOC). A total of 720 chickens, including 240 black Baicheng oil chicken (BBOC), 240 silky Baicheng oil chicken (SBOC), and 240 white Baicheng oil chicken (WBOC) were raised. Three genotypes of H-FABP gene second extron following AA, AB, and BB were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) strategy. The G939A site created AA genotype and G956A site created BB genotype. The content of IMF in AA genotype in breast muscle of BBOC was significantly higher than that of AB (p = 0.0176) and the genotype in leg muscle of WBOC was significantly higher than that of AB (p = 0.0145). The G939A site could be taken as genetic marker for higher IMF content selecting for breast muscle of BBOC and leg muscle of WBOC. The relative mRNA expression of H-FABP was measured by real-time PCR at 30, 60, 90, and 120 d. The IMF content significantly increased with age in both muscles. The mRNA expression level of H-FABP significantly decreased with age in both muscles of the three types of chickens. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between H-FABP abundance and IMF content in the leg muscles of WBOC (p = 0.035) was observed. The mRNA expression of H-FABP negatively correlated with the IMF content in both breast and leg muscles of BOC sat slaughter time.

Genetic effects of polymorphisms in myogenic regulatory factors on chicken muscle fiber traits.

The myogenic regulatory factors is a family of transcription factors that play a key role in the development of skeletal muscle fibers, which are the main factors to affect the meat taste and texture. In the present study, we performed candidate gene analysis to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MyoD, Myf5, MyoG, and Mrf4 genes using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism in 360 Erlang Mountain Chickens from three different housing systems (cage, pen, and free-range). The general linear model procedure was used to estimate the statistical significance of association between combined genotypes and muscle fiber traits of chickens. Two polymorphisms (g.39928301T>G and g.11579368C>T) were detected in the Mrf4 and MyoD gene, respectively. The diameters of thigh and pectoralis muscle fibers were higher in birds with the combined genotypes of GG-TT and TT-CT (p<0.05). Moreover, the interaction between housing system and combined genotypes has no significant effect on the traits of muscle fiber (p>0.05). Our findings suggest that the combined genotypes of TT-CT and GG-TT might be advantageous for muscle fiber traits, and could be the potential genetic markers for breeding program in Erlang Mountain Chickens.

Identification and Analysis of Genetic Variations in Pri-MiRNAs Expressed Specifically or at a High Level in Sheep Skeletal Muscle

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in miRNA-mediated gene regulatory networks and play important roles in many biological processes, such as growth and development of mammals. In this study, we used microarrays to detect 261 miRNAs that are expressed in sheep skeletal muscle. We found 22 miRNAs that showed high levels of expression and equated to 89% of the total miRNA. Genetic variations in these 22 pri-miRNAs were further investigated using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing. A total of 49 genetic variations, which included 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 8 deletions/insertions, were identified in four sheep breeds. Three variations were further researched in a larger sample set, including five sheep breeds with different meat production performances. We found that the genotype and allele frequencies of the CCC deletion/insertion in pri-miR-133a were significantly related to the sheep meat production trait. Finally, cell assays and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were employed to investigate the effect of pri-miRNA genetic variation on the miRNA biogenesis process. The results confirmed that genetic variations can influence miRNA biogenesis and increase or decrease the levels of mature miRNAs, in accordance with the energy and stability change of hair-pin secondary structures. Our findings will help to further the understanding of the functions of genetic variations in sheep pri-miRNAs in skeletal muscle growth and development.

Molecular characterization of the HSPA1A gene by single-strandconformation polymorphism and sequence analysis in Holstein-Friesiancrossbred and Deoni cattle raised in India

A group of proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs) are synthesized during heat stress. They are expressed at high levels when exposed to stress. Polymorphism in HSPs has been reported to be associated with heat tolerance and reproductive performance in cattle. The present study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms in the coding region of the HSPA1A gene in Holstein-Friesian (HF) crossbreds and the Deoni breed of cattle. Genomic DNA was extracted from 94 animal blood samples and was subjected to polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis, which revealed 14 band patterns in Deoni cattle and 8 band patterns in HF crossbreds. Sequence data were analyzed using BioEdit software for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms. Sequence analysis showed 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of the HSPA1A gene, which included 5 transitions (G456A, A972G, A1098G, C1766T, and G1788A) and 2 transversions (C312G and G2033C) in Deoni cattle and 2 indels (C at positions 574?575 and 624?625), 2 transitions (A480G and A1098G), and 1 transversion (C312G) in HF crossbred cattle. The study indicated a high degree of genetic variability in the HSPA1A gene in the cattle populations under study.

Association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms of fatty acid synthase gene and meat quality traits in Datong Yak (Bos grunniens).

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key enzyme in fatty acid anabolism that plays an important role in the fat deposit of eukaryotic cells. Therefore, in this study, we detected 2 novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FASN gene in 313 adult individuals of Datong yak using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing techniques. SNP g.5477C>T is located in intron 3 of FASN, and 3 genotypes, HH, HG, and GG, were detected in this mutation site. SNP g.16930T>A is located in exon 37 of FASN, and 2 genotypes, EE and EF, were detected in this site. Association analysis of these 2 SNPs with meat quality traits showed that in SNP g.5477C>T, yaks with the HH genotype and HG genotype had significantly higher intramuscular fat content than individuals with the GG genotype (P < 0.01). In SNP g.16930T>A, yaks with the EE genotype also had significantly higher IMF content than individuals with the EF genotype (P < 0.01). The results indicate that FASN may be used as a candidate gene affecting intramuscular fat content in Datong yaks.

Association of IL8 -105G/A with Mastitis Somatic Cell Score in Chinese Holstein Dairy Cows

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5′ upstream of bovine IL8 gene were investigated in 810 Chinese Holstein cows from 35 bull families in a dairy farm in Shanghai using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique. The Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of genotype Chinese Holstein dairy cows. The results showed that one SNP -105G>A was detected, designating three genotypes (GG, GA and AA) with respective frequencies of 0.38, 0.46, and 0.16. The significant association of the SNP -105G>A with somatic cell score (SCS) was identified. Genotype GG had a significantly lower SCS than genotype GA or AA (P < 0.01), and the relative mRNA expression and protein level of GG was found to be the highest. These results suggest that the genotype GG may be a useful genetic marker for mastitis resistance selection and breeding in Chinese Holstein dairy cows.

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Fatty Acid Synthase and Fat Deposition in the Liver of the Overfed Goose.

Goose fatty liver is one of the most delicious and popular foods in the world, but there is no reliable genetic marker for the early selection and breeding of geese with good liver-producing potential. In our study, one hundred and twenty-four 78-day-old Landes geese bred in Shunda Landes goose breeding farm, Jiutai, Jilin, China were selected randomly. The fatty livers were sampled each week after overfeeding during a three week period. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing were used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of fatty acid synthase (FAS), which is an important enzyme involved in the synthesis of fat under both physiological and pathological conditions. Least-squares correlation was established between these SNPs and fatty liver weight, abdominal fat weight, and intestinal fat weight of the overfed Landes geese, respectively. The results showed that fatty liver weight of geese with EF and FF genotypes (amplified by primer P1) was significantly higher than that of the EE genotype (p<0.05), and liver weight of CD and DD genotypes (amplified by primer P2) was significantly higher than that of the CC genotype (p<0.05). Different genotype combinations showed different liver weights, and from highest to lowest were ABDD, DDEF, DDFF, DDEE, ABEF, ABFF, AADD, and CDEF. Further analysis of DNA sequencing showed that there were two SNPs within the 5′ promoter region the FAS gene. The geese of EF and FF genotypes carried a change of T to C, and the geese of CD and DD genotypes carried a change of A to G. The changes of the bases could potentially influence the binding of some transcription factors to this region as to regulate FAS gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SNPs found within the 5′ promoter region of the Landes goose FAS gene, and our data will provide an insight for early selection of geese for liver production.

Eight SNPs of the Myf5 gene and diplotypes associated with growth and reproductive traits in Jinghai yellow chicken.

The objective of this study was to analyze possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Myf5 gene with chicken growth and reproductive traits. SNPs in Myf5 of the Jinghai yellow chicken were detected by the polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism method and the haplotypes were analyzed. Eight SNPs were identified in the exons of Myf5. Nine haplotypes were established in a group of 379 Jinghai yellow chickens. In terms of growth traits, least square analysis showed that haplotype H1H5 had significant effects on weight at weeks 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). Haplotype H2H6 had significant effects on weight at weeks 12 and 14 (P < 0.05). For reproductive traits, H1H5 had higher body weight for the first egg than H1H4 and H2H4 (P < 0.05), and H1H3 (P < 0.01). H1H3 had a poor performance in average egg weight at 300 days. On the other hand, H1H3 had an advantage in egg number at 300 days. The results showed that SNPs of Myf5 have certain effects on growth and reproductive traits in Jinghai yellow chickens, which can be used in marker-assisted selection to accelerate chicken genetic progress.

BRCA1 gene exon 11 mutations in Uighur and Han women with early-onset sporadic breast cancer in the northwest region of China.

The prevalence of BRCA1 gene mutations in breast cancer differs between diverse ethnic groups. Relatively little information is known about patterns of BRCA1 mutations in early-onset breast cancer in women of Uighur or Han descent, the major ethnic populations of the Xinjiang region in China. The aim of this study was to identify BRCA1 mutations in Uighur and Han patients with early-onset (age <35 years), and sporadic breast cancer for genetic predisposition to breast cancer. For detection of BRCA1 mutations, we used a polymerase chain reaction single-stranded conformation polymorphism approach, followed by direct DNA sequencing in 22 Uighur and 13 Han women with early-onset sporadic breast cancer, and 32 women with benign breast diseases. The prevalence of BRCA1 mutations in this population was 22.9% (8/35) among early-onset sporadic breast cancer cases. Of these, 31.8% (7/22) of Uighur patients and 7.69% (1/13) of Han patients were found to have BRCA1 mutations. In 7 Uighur patients with BRCA1 mutations, there were 11 unique sequence alterations in the BRCA1 gene, including 4 clearly disease-associated mutations on exon 11 and 3 variants of uncertain clinical significance on exon 11, meanwhile 4 neutral variants on intron 20 or 2. None of the 11 BRCA1 mutations identified have been previously reported in the Breast Cancer Information Core database. These findings reflect the prevalence of BRCA1 mutations in Uighur women with early-onset and sporadic breast cancer, which will allow for provision of appropriate genetic counseling and treatment for Uighur patients in the Xinjiang region.

Rapid detection of MDR–Mycobacterium tuberculosis using modified PCR-SSCP from clinical Specimens

To design a rapid test to detect the rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistant mutant based on polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique that analyzes the katG, rpoB genes. Biochemical test as well as IS6110 targeting PCR revealed 103 clinical samples were tuberculosis. To determine the susceptibility of isolates to anti TB drugs, the proportional method was used. Mutations presented within the amplified products of the katG, rpoB genes were evaluated by SSCP. Using proportional method, 12 (11.6%) and 9 (8.7%) isolates were resistant respectively to INH and RIF and 9 (8.7%) isolates showed resistance to both drug (multi-drug resistant tuberculosis). Three (2.9%) multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and two INH resistant isolates were detected by the PCR-SSCP and sequencing. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR-SSCP for multi-drug resistant isolates were 33% and 100%, respectively. Complete agreement between SSCP and sequencing can indicate that resistance-associated mutations have occurred in other genes except our considered genes.

Identification of two SNPs in myostatin (MSTN) gene of Takifugu rubripes and their association with growth traits

The myostatin (MSTN) is a member of transforming growth factor-β superfamily which inhibits muscle growth. In this study, the genomic DNA sequence of MSTN gene was cloned from Takifugu rubripes (T. rubripes). Two polymorphisms of the MSTN gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods in 296 T. rubripes. One A748G locates in exon 2 and the other, C1197T, in intron 2. Analysis showed that the A748G mutation caused an amino acid change from Thr to Ala (Ala166Glu). These two SNPs showed a low degree of linkage disequilibrium and four haplotypes were identified. The most frequent haplotype was AC, which occurred at a frequency of 44.3%. Association analyses between these two SNPs and growth traits showed that the individuals with genotype CT and TT of the mutation C1197T had significantly higher body mass, body length and body height than those with genotype CC (P < 0.05). These results show that MSTN gene can be utilized as a candidate gene for molecular marker-assisted breeding of T. rubripes.

The association between polymorphism of the GH1 gene and changes in protein structure and carcass traits in Mehraban sheep (Ovis aries)

The present study indicates an association between carcass traits and genetic polymorphism and changes in the protein structure of the growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene in Mehraban sheep. Polymorphism of the GH1 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction–single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods in 463 individuals. Two different structures in the GH1 protein and six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. The association of these SSCP patterns and protein structures with carcass traits was analysed. The SSCP patterns were shown to be associated with carcass traits. Individuals with AB SSCP pattern and Type B protein structure had significantly higher fat-tail weight and volume (P &lt; 0.05) than did those individuals with CC SSCP pattern and Type A protein structure. Moreover, CC SSCP pattern and Type A protein structure contributed to low concentration of blood triglycerides (P = 0.004). The results confirmed the importance of GH1 as a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection for carcass-trait variations in sheep.

MRNA expression, polymorphism of prolactin receptor gene and their association with prolificacy in Lezhi black goats

mRNA expression and DNA polymorphism of prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene were investigated and used to study their effects on litter size in goats. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed that PRLR mRNA levels in pituitary and endometrium of prolific Lezhi black goats were 39.0-fold and 29.9-fold higher than those in non-prolific Tibetan goats (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in ovary and liver between the two breeds. To further explore the possible association between variations in PRLR gene with litter size in Lezhi black goat, mutation screening of exon 10 of PRLR was performed by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). In P2 locus, the four genotypes AA, AB, AC, and AD had the genotypic frequencies of 0.136, 0.110, 0.162, and 0.594, respectively, but no polymorphism was detected in P1 locus. There were four mutations at C89T, A94C, C146G, and G157C of this fragment in all of the four genotypes, which led to a missense mutation Pro to Leu, Asn to His, Ala to Gly, and Ala to Pro, respectively. In addition, a mutation of C61T in genotype AA, A175G in genotype AD, T24C and C96T in genotype CD were detected. The Lezhi black does with genotype AD had 0.35 (P < 0.05) more kids than those with genotype AB, but there was no significant difference among other genotypes. It is concluded that PRLR gene expression and mutations in exon 10 of PRLR gene may be associated with the reproductive effects of the Lezhi black goat.

Molecular identification of Amazonian stingless bees using polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism.

In countries containing a mega diversity of wildlife, such as Brazil, identifying and characterizing biological diversity is a continuous process for the scientific community, even in face of technological and scientific advances. This activity demands initiatives for the taxonomic identification of highly diverse groups, such as stingless bees, including molecular analysis strategies. This type of bee is distributed in all of the Brazilian states, with the highest species diversity being found in the State of Amazônia. However, the estimated number of species diverges among taxonomists. These bees are considered the main pollinators in the Amazon rainforest, in which they obtain food and shelter; however, their persistence is constantly threatened by deforestation pressure. Hence, it is important to classify the number and abundance of bee specie, to measure their decline and implement meaningful, priority conservation strategies. This study aims to maximize the implementation of more direct, economic and successful techniques for the taxonomic identification of stingless bees. Specifically, the genes 16S rRNA and COI from mitochondrial DNA were used as molecular markers to differentiate 9 species of Amazonian stingless bees based on DNA polymorphism, using the polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism technique. We registered different, exclusive SSCP haplotypes for both genes in all species analyzed. These results demonstrate that SSCP is a simple and cost-effective technique that is applicable to the molecular identification of stingless bee species.

H558R polymorphism in SCN5A is associated with Keshan disease and QRS prolongation in Keshan disease patients.

Keshan disease (KSD), a potentially fatal cardiomyopathy, has very high incidence in some selenium-poor regions of China. KSD may be accompanied with a variety of arrhythmia, which is associated with mutations in the gene coding for cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN5A). The molecular mechanism of KSD is still largely obscure. We aimed to determine the association between the H558R polymorphism of SCN5A and KSD. We recruited 71 patients with KSD and 80 geographical region-matched control subjects in our study. Vital sign and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements were performed for heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, PR interval, QT interval, QRS duration, ST-T changes and complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), and H558R polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method and sequencing. A significant association was found between the H558R polymorphism of exon 12 and KSD. Allele C carriers had a decreased risk for KSD with an odds ratio of 0.332 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.160-0.692] as well as for QRS prolongation in KSD patients with an odds ratio of 0.089 (95%CI, 0.022-0.361). Our results provide support to the association between H558R polymorphism and the decreased risk for KSD. H558R polymorphism might increase susceptibility to KSD, and SCN5A containing the polymorphism might be a predisposing gene for QRS prolongation.

Study of the correlation between GH gene polymorphism and growth traits in sheep.

The growth hormone gene plays an important role in the physiological function of an organism. The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between polymorphisms in the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the sheep GH gene and sheep growth traits. The DNA from 510 adult sheep was analyzed by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism. Two alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), 2 alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), and 3 alleles (A, B, and C) and 4 genotypes (AA, AB, BB, and AC) were found within the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' UTR, respectively. In Tibetan sheep, the association analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the scores of weight, length, and heart girth within the 5' regulatory region; weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within exon 4; and weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within the 3' UTR among the different genotypes. For exon 4, Poll Dorset sheep individuals with genotype AA showed a lower score than those of genotypes BB and AB (P<0.05). With regard to the 3' UTR, Poll Dorset sheep with genotype AC showed higher scores than those of genotypes AA and AB (P<0.05).

Differential expression and effect of the porcine ANGPTL4 gene on intramuscular fat.

In a previous study, we investigated differences in gene expression in backfat between Meishan and Large White pigs and their F1 hybrids, Large White x Meishan, and Meishan x Large White pigs. One potential differentially expressed sequence tag from the mRNA differential display was a homolog of the human angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) gene, which encodes a protein that is secreted by both liver and white adipose tissues and can inhibit lipoprotein lipase activity and stimulate white adipose tissue lipolysis. Here, ANGPTL4 mRNA was found to be upregulated in the backfat of Large White compared with that in the Meishan pigs and the F1 hybrids, Meishan x Large White and Large White x Meishan, whereas expression was lowest both in the longissimus dorsi and the heart, as shown by the tissue distribution profile. Only one mutation, a G/A transition located in the third intron, was found. The ANGPTL4 G/A polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) showed a significant effect on intramuscular fat (IMF), water moisture of the longissimus dorsi, meat marbling of the longissimus dorsi, and pH of the longissimus dorsi (P < 0.05). This site seemed to be significantly (P < 0.05) additive in its actions on IMF, water moisture, and pH, whereas it showed significant dominance in its action on meat marbling (P < 0.05). This locus can be potentially considered as a marker for IMF improvement.

Associations between polymorphisms of the GFI1B gene and growth traits of indigenous Chinese goats

This study aimed to investigate polymorphisms of the eighth exon in the GFI1B gene among three indigenous Chinese goat breeds (QianBei Ma goats, GuiZhou white goats, and GuiZhou black goats). Furthermore, association analysis was conducted between these polymorphisms and growth traits. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), direct DNA sequencing, and PCR-restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were applied to detect polymorphism sites, and a general linear model was used to analyze their association with growth traits. We found two consistent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in the eighth exon of the GFI1B gene among the three breeds: 263 bp G→T and 340 bp G→A. The fixed effects model used to analyze growth traits revealed significant differences in body weight, body length, chest depth, and chest breadth between genotypes CD, CC, and DD (P < 0.01). The 340(G/C) polymorphic sites identified here will provide a basis to further study associations between the GFI1B gene and growth traits, as well as establish a theoretical foundation to develop better feeding and genetic resources of indigenous goats.