Association of leptin receptor gene polymorphisms with growth and feed efficiency in meat-type chickens

Abstract

Many genetic factors influence the growth and feed intake of birds. In the current study, we evaluated the association of 8 previously reported SNP in the chicken leptin receptor (LEPR) gene with BW, BW gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Four SNP with a very low minor allele frequency were removed by genotype quality control. The experimental population consisted of 796 pedigreed males from 2 genetically unrelated yellow meat-type chicken strains, 335 chickens from N202, and 461 chickens from N301. The BW at 49 (BW49) and 70 d of age (BW70) and FI (from 49 to 70 d of age) were measured individually. The BWG and FCR were calculated based on BW and FI in the interval between 49 to 70 d. The results indicated that rs14657336, rs13684613, rs13684615, and rs13684616 were found in strong linkage disequilibrium. This linkage disequilibrium block was significantly associated with BW49 (P < 0.05), BW70 (P < 0.05), and FI (P < 0.05) in the N202 strain, and FCR (P < 0.01) in the N301 strain, respectively. In addition, the GTACGTAC diplotype had the highest BWG and FI in both strains. The association revealed in this study suggests the need for further functional study on the role of LEPR gene in regulating feed intake and FCR of chickens. © 2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.