Polymorphisms of myostatin gene (MSTN) in four goat breeds and their effects on Boer goat growth performance

Polymorphisms of myostatin (MSTN) gene were investigated as a candidate marker for goat growth in 687 individuals by gene sequencing and polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Three potential genotypes (AA, AB and BB) of 5 bp indel (1,256 TTTTA/-) in 5'UTR were detected in four breeds. The polymorphism (CC, CD and DD) of substitution (1,388 T/A) in exon 1 was only segregating in Boer. Genotype AB resulted in significant increases in body weights at birth (BW0), 90 (BW90) and 300 (BW300) days of age, and birth body length compared to BB (P < 0.05). Whilst genotype CD contributed to heavier BW0 and BW90, and larger birth body height (BH) compared to CC (P < 0.05). Individuals either with AB or CD genotype also had greater values in other body sizes, although no significant differences appeared (P > 0.05). When in combination, the combined genotype ABCD displayed positive impacts on better growth traits in BW0, BW90, BW300, BH and BCG (P < 0.05). These results indicate that these markers in myostatin (MSTN) are associated with Boer growth and may be useful for marker assisted selection.