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Association Between Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) Gene Polymorphisms and Litter Size in Katjang-Boer Hybrid Goats

Poh, J. L.¹, Mohd Noor Hisham, M. N.*¹, Nurulhuda M.O.², Noor Athirah, A.², Mohd Firdaus O.³, Ainu Husna MS. S.³

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
² Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor
³ Livestock Science Research Centre, Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2024 27(1): 20-31

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Goat fertility is essential for farm productivity and economic viability. This study investigates the association between Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) gene polymorphism and litter size in Katjang-Boer hybrid goats. DNA from 43 goats was analyzed using five primers targeting different regions of the PRLR gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) were employed to detect genetic variation. The association between litter size, breeding year, and PRLR polymorphism was determined using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results indicate a significant association between PRLR gene polymorphisms in intron 1 and intron 2 with litter size (p < 0.05). Specifically, the AH genotype in intron 1 was significantly associated with larger litter sizes (1.58 ? 0.19, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found for exon 9 and 3?UTR regions. Breeding year also significantly influenced litter size, with the highest numbers observed in the later parity. These findings provide insights for improving farm productivity through genetic selection.