Abstract: The prolactin (PRL) gene was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of Jining Grey goats. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of exon 1 to exon 5 of PRL gene were detected in high fecundity breeds (Jining Grey, Boer, Wendeng dairy goat) and low fecundity breed (Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat) with five pairs of primers by PCR-SSCP. For the first time in goats, the entire exon sequence of PRL gene was obtained by means of clone sequencing. No single nucleotide polymorphism was detected in four goat breeds. This result indicated that the detected loci of PRL gene had no significant effect on prolificacy of Jining Grey goats.

Key words: goat; prolificacy; prolactin gene; PCR-SSCP