Molecular characterization of Prolactin cDNA and its expression pattern in skin tissue of Liaoning Cashmere goat

摘要

The Liaoning Cashmere goat is a local breed found in the Buyun Mountains of the Liaotung Peninsula. It has an estimated population of 1.5 million individuals and is well adapted to the local environment. The goats are white with two horns in both males and females. The main purpose of this breed is the production of cashmere, which is of great economic importance to the local people. The breed is characterized by a high cashmere yield, averaging 0.54 kg for male adults and 0.47 kg for female adults. The diameter of the Liaoning Cashmere fiber, however, is relatively large, compared with that of some other cashmere goat breeds in China (Jin et al. 2011), and the thinner fibers bring a higher price in the market (Li et al. 2005). Breeders are now attempting to lower the fiber diameter of the Liaoning Cashmere goat through modem breeding and genetics technology.