Association of kisspeptin gene (KISS1) with litter size in migratory Gaddi goats in western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Migratory goat farming, practiced by nomadic communities is common in Himalayan regions. Gaddi also known as ‘White Himalayan goat’ is the predominant goat breed constituting 60–65% of total goats in the state. The Kisspeptin gene (KISS1) that encodes kisspeptin protein is considered to be a candidate gene affecting multiple birth in goats. The present study was carried out to identify polymorphism at kisspeptin (KISS1 gene) and its association with litter size in migratory Gaddi goat. Polymorphism of KISS1 gene was investigated in Gaddi goats (89) using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing approach. PCR-RFLP analysis at KISS1 locus revealed 3 different genotypes, viz. AA with undigested one fragment at 377 bp, TT with two digested fragments at 256 and 121 bp, and AT with three fragments at 377, 256 and 121 bp. The frequencies of AA, AT and TT genotypes were 0.17, 0.52 and 0.31, respectively while the frequency of A and T alleles was 0.43 and 0.57. AT genotype was predominant genotype while AA genotype was having least frequency among the goats screened. The observed allele number (No) and effective allele number (Ne) were 2 and 1.96, respectively. Observed heterozygosity (Hobs), expected heterozygosity (Hexp) and PIC values estimated were 0.52, 0.49 and 0.37, respectively. Hobs and PIC values indicated that sufficient genetic variation exist at the locus. Sequencing of representative sample of different genotypes confirmed presence of SNP (T125A) as detected by PCR-RFLP. The mean litter size for animals belonging to AA, AT and TT genotypes were 1.12±0.08, 1.34±0.11 and 1.73±0.15 kids, respectively. Significant association of genotypes was observed with litter size in Gaddi goat. The study detected association between allele T in KISS1 gene and litter size. Study on additional data based on more number of animals in diversified flocks should be carried out for validation of the preliminary findings.

Association of g.331T>C and g.1909T>C locus in KISS1 gene with fecundity traits of Kacang and Boerka goats

“…The present study found that the T allele was associated with larger litter sizes in Kacang and Boerka goats. The significant association of the T allele with superior litter size in Kacang and Boerka goats was also consistent with the previous results in Gaddi (Sankhyan et al 2019), Jining Grey (Cao et al 2010), Boer (An et al 2013) and some Indian goat breeds (Maitra et al 2014). Some previous studies also demonstrated that the polymorphism of intron 1 of the KISS1 gene was found to have a relationship with high prolific and sexual precocity in goat breeds, including Barki, Baladi, and Zaraibi, and in sheep breeds;Barki, Rahmani, and Ossimi (Othman et al 2015).…”

“…Previous studies in some goat breeds also discover an abundance of mutant T alleles compared to wild A alleles of intron 1 of the Kiss1 gene in Xmn1 cleavage sites, such as in prolific Egypt's small ruminant breeds (Othman et al 2015), Baladi, Zaraibi, and Damascus goat breeds (El-Tarabany et al 2017). In contrast, Sankhyan et al (2019) found two alleles, T and A, in White Himalayan goats with no significant frequency differences, 0.57 and 0.43, respectively. However, they also reported the T allele in intron 1 of the KISS1 gene associated with greater litter size.…”

Polymorphism studies and candidate genes associated with litter size traits in Indonesian goats. a systematic review

“…The results of the research indicate, on the other hand, that there is a connection between the allele T found in the KISS1 gene and the size of the litter. 27 The polymorphism in the goat KISS1 gene was found to have a substantial influence on the reproductive features in a prior study. 9 Additionally, in Guangzhong, Saneen, and Xinong goats, a discernible link was found to exist between the KISS1 gene polymorphism and the litter size, 11 a further SNP in the KISS1 gene was discovered in the Guanzhong breed of goat that was associated with litter size.…”

“…The allelic frequency of alleles A and B was measured at 0.43 and 0.57, respectively. 27 In both SNPs, Kacang goats were in HWE. Kejobong and Senduro goats were not subjected to HWE at g.2425C>G, but rather at g.2459G>A (χ 2 >3.841).…”

Polymorphism studies and candidate genes associated with litter size traits in Indonesian goats. a systematic review

“…The allelic frequency of alleles A and B was measured at 0.43 and 0.57, respectively. 37 In both SNPs, Kacang goats were in HWE. Kejobong and Senduro goats were not subjected to HWE at g.2425C>G, but rather at g.2459G>A (χ 2 >3.841).…”