Effects of polymorphisms in the endothelin receptor B subtype 2 gene on plumage colour in mule ducks

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the endothelin receptor B subtype 2 (EDNRB2) gene on plumage coloration in mule ducks. Test mating (white Tsaiya × white Muscovy ducks) in combination with polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR RFLP) was performed to investigate the effect of non synonymous SNPs in two maternal lines (a conservation and a selection population) on plumage coloration in mule ducks. One non synonymous SNP (c.995G>A) was identified in white Muscovy ducks and white Tsaiya ducks by PCR high resolution melting (PCR HRM) and DNA sequencing. Genotyping results showed that the c.995G>A locus is associated with plumage colour in two maternal populations of white Tsaiya ducks. Further, the maternal genotype of c.995G>A SNP affects the plumage colour of mule ducks. Therefore, the polymorphisms within the EDNRB2 gene at c.995G>A in white Tsaiya ducks may be used in marker assisted selection to improve the plumage colour of mule ducks. Keywords: Muscovy drakes, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length, single nucleotide polymorphism, Tsaiya ducks