Morphometric characterization and growth hormone gene polymorphism (intron 2) in Kuttanad ducks of Kerala

Abstract

Utilization of variations in candidate genes is a viable approach for the selection of superior breeding stock of
all avian species including ducks. The present study aimed at assessing the morphometry of native Kuttanad
ducks of Kerala and the identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the intron 2 region (752 bp)
of their growth hormone (GH) gene. The mean body weight (BW) at hatch, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age were
found to be 37.82 ±0.56g, 464.32 ±16.71g, 1045.12 ±25.74, 1421.46 ±90.58 g and 1531.93 ±71.54g respectively.
The mean chest girth, shank length and neck length at 12 weeks of age were found to be 28.82 ±0.25cm, 7.14
±0.05cm and 24.83 ±0.21cm respectively. PCR amplification and direct sequencing of the intron 2 region (752
bp) of duck GH gene revealed eight novel SNPs viz., 72G>A, 90A>G, 175A>G, 176 T>G, 267C>T, 275A>G, 286A>G
and 403A>C. The polymorphisms are likely to serve as appropriate markers for selection of ducks for body size
and body measurements on further genotyping and association studies with growth traits.
Key words: Duck, Growth hormone gene, Polymorphism