Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is one of the important endocrine hormones that plays a role in regulating growth and development of animals. In this study, we found two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exon3 region of IGF1 in the Shitou goose. IGF1 mRNA was extensively expressed in various tissues, with high abundant expression in the liver, breast muscle and leg muscle at three growth stages. This provides a foundation for regulatory mechanisms of IGF1 in geese.

Testicular transcriptomes were analyzed to characterize the differentially expressed genes between mulard and Pekin ducks, which will help establish gene expression datasets to assist in further determining the mechanisms of genetic sterility in mulard ducks. Paraffin sections were made to compare the developmental differences in testis tissue between the two breeds. A comparative transcriptome sequencing of testis tissues was performed, and the expression of candidate genes was verified.

Indigenous chickens (ICs) are known for disease resistance and hardiness. The role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in disease resistance is well known. The present study carried out to find out variability at the MHC revealed higher genetic variability at the MHC of ICs over White Leghorn birds. ICs are likely to have new alleles of the LEI0258 marker of MHC. Some alleles were found to be associated with growth, production, survivability and antibody titres to Newcastle disease virus.