Association of PCR-SSCP variants of growth hormone gene with growth traits in Sirohi breed of goat.

Genetic variability in promoter and exonic regions (4 and 5) of goat growth hormone gene (gGH) in Sirohi breed of goat was investigated by Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. DNA samples of 188 Sirohi goats were analyzed. Six conformational patterns were observed in each of the regions comprising exon 4 and 5. The analysis revealed 8 conformational patterns in the promoter region. The establishment of an association of these SSCP patterns with body weights at 3, 6 and 9 months of age was attempted. The animals having AE variant in the promoter region had significantly lower birth weight (2.23 kg) compared to AH variants (2.57 kg) Statistically significant differences were also revealed in the body weights at 9 and 6 months of age among the variants in the region comprising exon 4 and 5, respectively.