GDF9 gene polymorphism and its relation to litter size in East Java Pote goat germplasm

Pote goat is one of the local Indonesian goats from Bangkalan, Madura, which has not been clumped. Procurement of Pote goat breeds as germplasm in enriching genetic diversity can be done by genetic selection. This study aims to identify the GDF9 gene associated with litter size traits of Pote goats. The materials used in this study were 48 female goats that had given birth with a range of permanent incicivi (0,1,2,3,4), and with healthy conditions. This research method uses survey methods and observations in the laboratory. Sampling was done by purposive sampling. Pote goat blood samples were taken from a smallholder farm in Soket Laok Village, Bangkalan Regency, Madura, East Java. GDF9 gene has a length of 490 bp. DNA fragments were amplified and genotyped using PCR-RFLP method using Msp1 restriction enzyme. This study resulted in two genotype types (AG, and GG), and two alleles (A and G). Genotype frequencies of AG, and GG were 0.40, and 0.60. The frequencies of alleles A and G are 0.40 and 0.80. The a.2912 A>G mutation was significant with the litter size. The results showed an association between GDF9 gene diversity found with litter size traits in Pote goats (p<0.05). Polymorphisms in the GDF9 gene are associated with litter size of Pote goats, and can be used as genetic markers for selection on the litter size trait of Pote goats.