Polymorphism in Intron-1 of ApoVLDL-II Gene and its Association with Production Traits and Biochemical Levels in White Muscovy (Cairina moschata)

The current study was designed to investigate the possible association of apoVLDL-II gene intron-1 polymorphism with White Muscovy production traits and biochemical levels. There were two alleles (C and D) and three genotypes (CC, CD and DD) in the experimental population. CC genotype and C allele frequency were the highest. One SNP (G803A) and one 13bp insertion deletion AAAATCTTGTTTA after position 770bp were found by sequencing. The apoVLDL-II gene intron-1 polymorphisms were associated (P<0.05) with body slope length, gizzard weight, pH, percentage of chest muscle water, intramuscular fat, serum triglyceride and serum cholinesterase in the 120 individuals. The CC may be an advantage genotype for growth and lipid transportation in White Muscovy. The apoVLDL-II gene intron-1 polymorphisms could be used in marker assisted selection (MAS) as a genetic marker for the birds growth and meat quality.