Association of polymorphisms in the GH and GHR genes with growth and carcass traits in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

In rabbits, growth and carcass traits are important for the breeding programme. An increasing number of annotated polymorphisms demands validation of their influence on those traits before they can be implemented in breeding practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate GH c.-78C>T, GHR c.106G>C polymorphisms in the population of Belgian Giant Grey, Termond White, and a crossbreed between New Zealand White and Belgian Giant Grey (NZW x BGG) rabbits. In total 379 animals were genotyped and association analyses with growth traits and carcass traits were conducted. Our results demonstrated that GH c.-78C>T showed an association with growth weight in Belgian Grey and NZW x BGG rabbits. Meat weight in intermediate and hind parts for GH c.-78C>T statistically differed between Belgian Giant Grey and crossbred rabbits. GHR c.106G>C showed an association with meat weight in the intermediate part and dressing percentage in Termond White. TT/CC haplotype in Belgian Giant Grey had significantly higher meat weight in hind part, while in crossbred rabbits CC/CC haplotype was characterised by the lowest meat weight in intermediate and hind parts. Results from our study confirm that GH c.-78C>T, GHR c.106G>C polymorphisms constitute good molecular markers for growth and carcass traits.