Polymorphism of the Myostatin (MSTN) Gene in Landes and Kielecka Geese Breeds

Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), belongs to the TGF- β superfamily of proteins. MSTN is a highly conserved protein that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Loss of myostatin functionality causes the phenotype to appear in the form of ‘double musculature’, among others in cattle, sheep, and house mice. The presented results of the research were carried out on two geese breeds—Landes and Kielecka. The aim of the study was to identify mutations in the MSTN gene and study their impact on body weight in both geese breeds in different periods of life. Analysis of the obtained results showed the existence of polymorphism in exon 3 (c.1231C>T) and suggested a possible association (p T on BW in geese.