A Novel A > G Polymorphism in the Intron 1 of LCORL Gene Is Significantly Associated with Hide Weight and Body Size in Dezhou Donkey

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The annual shortage of donkey hides is significant in China. Therefore, to meet the market demand, it is important to improve donkey hide production through molecular breeding. In this study, one SNP was identified in intron 1 of the LCORL gene, and polymorphism information content (PIC) was moderate in the population. The association analysis of g.112558859 A > G with body height, body length, chest circumference and hide weight was conducted and found to be significantly associated with these traits. The hide weight of donkeys with the GG genotype was 1.07 Kg heavier than those with AA genotype. This provides the foundation for breeding large donkey breeds with high hide production. ABSTRACT: Several studies have shown the association between the ligand-dependent nuclear receptor compression-like protein (LCORL) gene and body size in horses, pigs and donkeys. Based on previous studies, the LCORL gene was hypothesized to be associated with growth traits and hide weight in Dezhou donkeys. In this study, we aimed to reveal the variation of the LCORL gene in the Dezhou donkey and explore whether the gene is associated with hide weight and body size. In this study, genetic polymorphisms in the LCORL gene of the Dezhou donkey were studied using targeted sequencing technology, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the LCORL gene were analyzed for association with hide weight and body size in Dezhou donkeys. The results showed that there was an SNP locus situated in intron 1 of the LCORL gene. Association analysis revealed that individuals with the GG genotype had significantly higher body height, body length, chest circumference and hide weight than those with the AA genotype (p < 0.05). Therefore, the g.112558859 A > G locus can be used as a potential candidate marker affecting body size and hide weight. This study provides the foundation for breeding high-quality donkeys with high hide yield.