A Novel A > G Polymorphism in the Intron 1 of LCORL Gene Is Significantly Associated with Hide Weight and Body Size in Dezhou Donkey

Animals (Basel). 2022 Sep 27;12(19):2581. doi: 10.3390/ani12192581.

Abstract

Several studies have shown the association between the ligand-dependent nuclear receptor compression-like protein (LCORL) gene and body size in horses, pigs and donkeys. Based on previous studies, the LCORL gene was hypothesized to be associated with growth traits and hide weight in Dezhou donkeys. In this study, we aimed to reveal the variation of the LCORL gene in the Dezhou donkey and explore whether the gene is associated with hide weight and body size. In this study, genetic polymorphisms in the LCORL gene of the Dezhou donkey were studied using targeted sequencing technology, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the LCORL gene were analyzed for association with hide weight and body size in Dezhou donkeys. The results showed that there was an SNP locus situated in intron 1 of the LCORL gene. Association analysis revealed that individuals with the GG genotype had significantly higher body height, body length, chest circumference and hide weight than those with the AA genotype (p < 0.05). Therefore, the g.112558859 A > G locus can be used as a potential candidate marker affecting body size and hide weight. This study provides the foundation for breeding high-quality donkeys with high hide yield.

Keywords: Dezhou donkey; LCORL; SNP; body size; hide weight.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Shandong Province Modern Agricultural Industrial Technology System Project (grant number SDAIT-27), Construction of Molecular ID Card for Donkey and Camel Species, Livestock and Poultry Seed Industry Project of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair (grant number 19211162) and the Key R&D Project of Shandong Province: Innovation and Demonstration of Key Technologies for the Integrated Development of Donga Black Donkey Industry (grant number 2021TZXD012).