Genetic polymorphisms of the Growth Hormone (GH) gene in Damascus and Black Bengal male goats

Sustainable agriculture approaches necessitate a concerted effort from researchers to establish paths that meet global population needs without compromising environmental resources. Goats are unique among ruminants because of their ability to adapt to some of the harshest environments around the world. Growth Hormone (GH) gene is a major regulator of muscle mass growth. Therefore, our study aims to analyze the whole sequence of GH gene in order to identify various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Damascus and Black Bengal goats (BBG) and to predict the effect of mutant residues on the protein's structure and function. Additionally, this study examined the effects of these SNPs on growth characteristics in Damascus goats. The study was designed to test 22 male goats. To obtain high-quality amplification of the GH gene, we utilized the nested PCR technique and performed paired-end sequencing for each fragment. Sequences alignment in the GH gene of Damascus and BBG goats unveiled 25 SNPs with different frequencies within the two breeds. Seven SNPs identified in coding regions comprised four synonymous variants (719 C → T, 731 G → A, 1610 C → T and 1625 C → T) and three non-synonymous variants (1112 G → A, 1459 C → T and 1470 C → T). The SNP 1112 G → A led to the substitution of Glutamic acid with Lysine (E/K) at amino acid position 137. The SNP 1459 C → T led to the substitution of Alanine with Valine (A/V) at amino acid position 160. Meanwhile, the SNP 1470 C → T led to the substitution of Leucine with Phenylalanine(L/F) at amino acid position 164. The SNP 1112 G → A was predicted to have a deleterious effect on the protein's structure and function. The SNPs 914 G → A and 1112 G → A showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between genotypes in pre-slaughter weight and almost carcass cuts in Damascus goats, indicating their possible use in breeding programs as a potential genetic marker for weight/size in goats as well as in assessing and choosing members of this breed for meat production.