Abstract: [Objective] To explore candidate genes influencing sheep growth traits and provide a basis for genetic improvement in sheep breeding. [Methods] Agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing were used to detect the polymorphism of PPARGC1A gene InDels （insertions/deletions） in Hu sheep, Dorper sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep, and the association between the polymorphism of PPARGC1A gene and sheep growth traits was analyzed. [Results] Three genotypes （II, ID and DD） of the PPARGC1A gene were detected in all three sheep breeds. The II genotype frequencies of Hu sheep, Dorper sheep, and Small-tailed Han sheep were 0.328, 0.209 and 0.563, respectively. The ID genotype frequencies were 0.432, 0.488 and 0.406, respectively, while the DD genotype frequencies were 0.240, 0.302 and 0.031, respectively. Association analysis showed a significant association（P<0.05） between the PPARGC1A gene and body height, back height and buttock height in Hu sheep, as well as body length in Small-tailed Han sheep （P<0.05）. No significant associations were observed in Dorper sheep （P>0.05）. [Conclusion] The PPARGC1A gene had an impact on some growth traits in Hu sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep, and could be used as an important functional candidate gene for crossbreeding improvement in Hu sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep.

Key words: sheep, PPARGC1A gene, PCR, growth traits, association analysis