Polymorphism and association of progesterone receptor gene with milk production and reproductive traits of rabbits

Abstract

Using the PCR RFLP method polymorphism and three different genotypes (AA, AG and GG) were detected in the progesterone receptor gene (PGR) promoter in a local Slovak crossbred rabbit line. We have noted a slightly majority frequency of allele A (0.53) over allele G (0.47). Comparing the observed and expected genotype frequencies with the χ² test the results were statistically significant, which means the tested rabbit population was non-equilibrium. The best results and significantly highest milk production (P < 0.001) were recorded in the does of GG genotype compared to AA genotype. Other association studies aimed at the effect of genotypes on litter size showed the highest litter size and number of weaned rabbits per litter in GG genotype. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) average number of stillborn kits per litter was in the group of does with AA genotype (0.62) compared with GG genotype (0.34).