Effects of SNPs in the MLF2 Gene Related Coccidiosis Resistance on Egg Production and Body Weight in Korean Chickens

It was reported that the myeloid leukemia factor 2 (MLF2) gene was associated with growth traits and coccidiosis resistance in chickens. The aim of this study was to confirm the association study between the SNPs of MLF2 and economic traits in 278 Korean native chickens (KNC) and 291 commercial chickens by high resolution melting method (HRM). Body weight (BW) at 150 days and 270 days, and egg production number until 270 days were measured as the economic traits. The 960 A>G SNP on MLF2 gene was significantly associated with the number of egg production in KNC (Gray) breed. The 892 A>G SNP and The 960 A>G SNPs were significnat associated with BW 150 in Rhode Island Red. These results suggest that 892 A>G and 960 A>G SNP on MLF2 gene related with coccidiosis resistance may be also used as a genetic marker for egg production and body weight traits in Korean chickens.