Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor β3 gene and their associations with feed efficiency in chickens

Poult Sci. 2013 Jul;92(7):1745-9. doi: 10.3382/ps.2013-03018.

Abstract

Growth and feeding traits such as BW, BW gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) are of economic importance in poultry production. In this study, 8 SNP of the transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) gene, which are located in the proximity of quantitative trait loci affecting BW and FCR, were selected to be genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in 2 yellow meat-type chicken populations with 724 birds in total. Body weights at 49 (BW49) and 70 (BW70) d of age and FI in the interval were recorded, and respective BWG and FCR were calculated for each bird. Two SNP with a very low minor allele frequency (<1%) were discarded from further analysis. The results showed that both rs13586818 and rs14535174 had significant effects (P < 0.05) on BWG and FCR, and that rs14535177 was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with BW49, BW70, and FI. Furthermore, birds with the GA genotype of rs13586818 showed strongly higher FCR and lower BWG (P < 0.05) compared with AA individuals. The TT birds had significantly larger BWG (P < 0.05) than GT birds in rs14535174, whereas FCR was the opposite. Individuals with the GC genotype of rs14535177 had significantly higher BW49, BW70, FCR, and FI (P < 0.05) than those with the GG genotype. Additionally, haplotypes based on 3 SNP of rs13586818, rs14535174, and rs14535177 were significantly associated with FCR (P < 0.05). The SNP and analyzed haplotypes identified in this study might be used as potential genetic markers in meat-type chicken breeding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens / genetics*
  • Chickens / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genotype
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / metabolism*
  • Weight Gain / genetics*
  • Weight Gain / physiology

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3