Genome-wide association analysis to identify candidate genes for growth rate traits in Chinese endemic geese

China has abundant resources of local goose breeds with significant differences in growth rates among breeds. These differences provide natural genetic materials for exploring key functional genes and molecular markers of growth traits. The genetic loci related to growth rate are important economic traits that affect slaughter weight and feeding costs. In view of this, we used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) method to determine the genes related to growth rate. From hatching to 10 weeks of age, the weight data of 255 China local geese were measured every 2 weeks. Based on the growth curve, we evaluated the relative and absolute growth rates (RGR and AGR) during the early rapid growth stages of 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and 8-10 weeks of age. GWAS analysis of AGR identified 32 SNPs and annotated 17 associated genes, including STX11, PNDC1, MRPL18, and others. There are 38 SNPs related to RGR, and 19 important candidate genes have been annotated, including SLC24A4, CPSF2, MAP2, and other genes. Five genes are shared in AGR and RGR, namely FAM210B, GULP1, MAS1, MRPL18, and PNLDC1. In addition, through further enrichment analysis, pathways related to growth and development were identified, and candidate genes such as GULP1, STX11, METAP2 were further screened.This study identified 70 SNPs associated with growth rate and annotated 36 genes. Further analysis suggests that GULP1, STX11, METAP2, PTH1R, SMAD7, GK, CTBP2, and DEF6 are important candidate genes. These findings offer valuable data resources for the molecular breeding of indigenous Chinese geese and provide a robust theoretical framework to inform future breeding programs aimed at developing fast-growing Chinese goose breeds.