Polymorphism in GHRH Gene and Its Association with Growth Traits in Tibetan Sheep.

The objectives of this study were to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) gene and to evaluate their associations with growth traits in two main Tibetan sheep breeds. Through sequencing technology, four SNPs were identified in the 5’UTR region of GHRH gene. Both g.794A>C and g.1497C>A exhibited significant influence on the growth-related traits in Tibetan sheep (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Hence, the biochemical and physiological functions, together with the results obtained in our investigation, suggest that the GHRH gene could serve as genetic marker for growth in Tibetan sheep breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]