Abstract: Growth hormone（GH） is a kind of species-specific single chain polypeptide hormone secreted by anterior pituitary,and it is necessary for normal growth and lactation.It can regulate metabolism of carbohydrate,lipid and protein,promote growth of animal muscle and bone,decrease fat content,promote growth and development,and reduce feed conversion ratio.It also the major gene controlling secretion of growth hormone and regulating animal growth and development.The basic characteristics and structure of GH gene as well as relationship between its polymorphisms and production performance were introduced.The future research direction was also proposed.