The follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit (FSHbeta) gene was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy in Jining Grey goats. According to the sequence of ovine FSHb gene, nine pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of 5' regulatory region, exon 1 and exon 2 of FSHbeta gene in both high fecundity breed (Jining Grey goat) and low fecundity breeds (Liaoning Cashmere goat, Boer goat and Angora goat) by PCR-SSCP. The results indicated that the homology of nucleotide sequence of this fragment between goat and sheep was 98 percent. Only the products amplified by primer P9 displayed polymorphism. Three genotypes (AA, AB and AC) were detected in Jining Grey goats and Liaoning Cashmere goats. Three genotypes (AA, CC and AC) were detected in Boer goats. Six genotypes (AA, BB, CC, AB, AC and BC) were detected in Angora goats. Sequencing revealed a G-->A mutation at 94 bp of exon 2 of FSHbeta gene in the BB genotype in comparison to the AA genotype and a C-->T mutation at 174 bp of exon 2 of FSHbeta gene in the CC genotype in comparison to the AA genotype. The former mutation resulted in an amino acid change: alanine-->threonine, and the latter mutation did not cause any amino acid change. Genotype frequency of AA, AB and AC was 0.686, 0.137 and 0.177 in Jining Grey goats, respectively. The does with genotype AA had 0.78 (P<0.05) or 0.64 (P<0.05) kids more than those with genotype AB or AC in Jining Grey goats, respectively.