Abstract:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between polymorphism of flanking sequence of ESR gene and laying performance of Zhuanghe Dagu Chickens, providing the theoretical foundation for selection of Zhuanghe Dagu Chickens. Zhuanghe Dagu Chickens were used to analyze 5’ flanking sequence of ESR gene by PCR-SSCP method. The results showed that ESR was consisted of three genotypes (CC, CD and DD) and frequencies of the three genotypes were 0.245, 0.335 and 0.42 respectively. Frequencies of C gene and D gene were 0.4125 and 0.5875 respectively. Egg number and ratio of feed and egg of chickens with CC genotype were significantly higher than those of CD and DD genotype (P<0.05). There were no significantly differences in age and body weigh at first laying, laying peak and egg weight among the three genotypes (P>0.05). In conclusion, CC genotype of ESR could significantly affect laying performance of Zhuanghe Dagu Chickens, however, it needs further study to confirm that ESR gene could be used as the important theoretical basis for selection of Zhuanghe Dagu Chickens.