Abstract: 【Objective】The objective of this study was to study the polymorphism of bovine GH gene and relationship between the polymorphisms and the growth traits of beef cattle.【Method】The polymorphisms of bovine GH gene were analyzed by the PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP method. Genotypic effects of the 3rd (GH-P1) and the 4th intron (GH-P2), the 5th exon (GH-P3), 3′- flanking region (GH-P4), 5′-flanking region (GH-P5) and composite genotypic effects of the 5th exon and 3′- flanking region of bovine GH gene on growth and development traits were analyzed.【Result】The B allele of the 5th exon (GH-P3) and 3′- flanking (GH-P4) of GH gene had favorable effect on body weight, height at withers, body length, and heart girth, beef production index. Composite GH genotypic effects, ABBB, including B allele of GH-P3 locus and B allele of GH-P4 locus higher than single marker effects of GH-P3 or GH-P4 locus in effect on body weight, height at withers, body length, heart girth, beef production index.【Conclusion】The B allele of the 5th exon of GH gene was favorable allele of body weight, height at withers, body length, and heart girth, beef production index in beef cattle.

Key words: Cattle, GH gene, Genetic effects, Growth and development traits