[Association analysis between SNPs of the growth hormone gene and antler production in spotted deer].

We report the effects of candidate gene growth hormone (GH) gene on antler production in the current study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GH gene were identified and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis and DNA sequencing in a deer population from the farm of Jilin Agricultural University. Correlation analysis between GH polymorphisms and antler production was carried out using the appropriate mixed model. Results showed an effect of GH gene on antler production. Deer with the SNP genotypes G-->A had a significant difference in antler production of the fifth saw (P<0.2). BB deer had a higher antler pro-duction than AA ones (P<0.2).