Genetic polymorphism of the ovine <i>MAP3K5</i> gene and its association with body size traits in Hu sheep of China

Abstract. As an excellent local sheep breed in China, Hu have the characteristics of producing more lambs and good motherhood. The purpose this study was to identify polymorphism mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MAP3K5) gene determine whether it associated with body size traits (body height, length, chest circumference, cannon circumference) sheep. MAP3K5 identified by using PCR amplification, followed Sanger sequencing, KASPar (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) technology used for genotyping subsequently. results association analysis showed that (g.205261 A &gt; G) significantly height at 80, 100, 140, 160, 180 d; length 80 160 circumference 100 120 d, respectively. qRT-PCR expression level heart higher (P &lt; 0.05) than other 10 tissues. In summary, mutation loci may be as a candidate molecular marker