An Novel SNP in LPL Gene Exon 8 Associated with Meat Quality Traits in Ducks

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays a crucial role in the metabolism and transport of lipids. The polymorphism of the LPL gene exon 8 and associations with duck meat quality traits were investigated using PCR-SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing. A novel silent mutation 1251 T>C was first identified located in exon 8 of the LPL gene. Two alleles (T and C) and three genotypes designed as TT, TC and CC were detected in the PCR products. The T allele and TT genotype were dominant in the five breeds. The 1251 T>C locus belonged to moderately informative polymorphism except for the Yinjiang ducks. The genotype distribution of the Xingyi, Jinding and Cherry Valley populations deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium but not the Sansui and Yinjiang populations. The 1251 T>C locus was significantly associated with meat quality traits except for pH, water holding capacity, intramuscular fat, C14:1, and C15:0. Significant additive effects were detected for C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, C18:2, C20:1, C20:3, PUFA and EFA, significant dominance effects for shear value, C14:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:3, C20:0, C20:1, C20:2, C20:4 and UFA. The results suggested that the 1251C>G polymorphism might be useful genetic markers in duck breeding to improve the content of beneficial fatty acids.