Association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of turkey prolactin with egg performance

The induction and regulation of broodiness is of the most important role of prolactin in avian species. In this study, the association between prolactin promoter region alleles and reproductive traits in Fars native turkey was investigated. These traits consisted of mean egg weight (MEW), number of egg (EN) and egg mass, during the first laying period. In total, 115 laying turkeys, randomly selected from the flock of the Breeding Center for Fars Native turkey, and DNA was purificated from blood samples, 231 bp of prolactin promoter region was amplified and Genotype of Samples was determinate by PCR-SSCP technique were genotyped. Two alleles D and I were identified. Based on the results obtained, the frequency of D and I alleles were 0.67 and 0.33, respectively. Frequencies of DD, II and ID genotypes were 0.385, 0.044 and 0.571, respectively. The association analysis between the polymorphism PRL gene promoter region and egg performance was carried out. Significant relationship was found between genotypes with egg production (P<0.01). Individuals with II genotype produced higher egg production than DD and ID genotype. The results of current study showed that using information of genes related to egg production could be used to improve the performance of native turkey of East Azerbaijan province.