A Functional SNP in the AMH Gene Is Associated with Litter Size in Dazu Black Goats

AMH plays a critical role in ovarian follicular development and may influence reproductive performance. However, its genetic variation and association with litter size in goats remain unclear. In this study, three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AMH gene (g.89169447C>A, g.89169684G>A, and g.89170008T>C) were identified in Dazu Black goats. Association analysis showed that the g.89169447C>A locus was significantly associated with litter size at first parity (p < 0.05), while the g.89169684G>A locus was significantly associated with the average litter size across the first three parities (p < 0.05). Functional assays in granulosa cells indicated that the g.89169684G>A variant altered the expression of proliferation and apoptosis-related genes. These results suggest that the g.89169684G>A variant may serve as a potential molecular marker for improving reproductive performance in goats.