Animals (Jun 2024)

<i>VNN1</i> Gene Expression and Polymorphisms Associated with Chicken Carcass Traits

  • Siyu Zhang,
  • Xiang Fang,
  • Ruiquan Wu,
  • Qinghua Nie,
  • Zhenhui Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131888
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 13
p. 1888

Abstract

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This study aimed to investigate the association between hepatic VNN1 expression and carcass traits in Mahuang chickens as well as to identify polymorphisms in the upstream and downstream regions of VNN1 that could potentially be associated with these carcass traits. The study revealed that VNN1 expression levels in liver correlated with various carcass traits such as dressed weight, eviscerated weight, and abdominal fat weight. A total of 39 polymorphic sites were identified, among which 23 were found to be associated with 15 different carcass traits. These polymorphic sites were organized into three distinct haplotype blocks, with BLOCK2 and BLOCK3 being associated with various eviscerated weight percentages, thigh weight, breast muscle weight, wing weight, and other traits. The study underscores the significant role of VNN1 in influencing the carcass traits of Mahuang chickens and sheds light on the genetic foundations of these traits. The findings provide valuable insights that could inform breeding strategies aimed at optimizing traits relevant to market demands and slaughtering efficiency.

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