Possible associations between bovine growth hormone gene polymorphism and reproductive traits

Abstract

The polymorphism of the bovine growth hormone gene (bGH) was studied in 211 Nellore pure breed males for association with reproductive traits. Scrotal circumference and testosterone concentrations were collected monthly from 10 until 16 months of age. Additionally, testicular growth rates were calculated. DNA was amplified by PCR and digested using Msp I and Hae III restriction enzymes. Every polymorphism presented two alleles. The predominant alleles were D (0.85) and F (0.98), respectively, and genotype EE – bGH/Hae III was missing. Significant association (P<0.05) between bGH/Msp I polymorphism, scrotal circumference and testicular growth after puberty, as well as between bGH/Hae III and testosterone concentrations at puberty were detected. The results suggested that these association could be useful for selection, since bGH/Msp I and bGH/Hae III polymorphisms could be considered as markers for testicular development after puberty and onset of puberty, respectively.