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 < 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.