Comprehensive assessment of candidate genes associated with fattening performance in Holstein–Friesian bulls

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected candidate genes with fattening performance traits in a commercial cattle herd. Fifteen SNPs in 12 candidate genes (LEP, FABP4, DGAT1, TG, IGF1, IGF1R, MYF5, LGB, CAPN1, CAST, GHR, and OLR1) were evaluated in 296 purebred Holstein–Friesian bulls using PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism). Associations between each segregating SNP and genetic merit for fattening performance were quantified using linear mixed models. Traits included in the study were fattening period, final weight, dry matter intake, feed conversion rate, and average daily weight gain. Apart from the general determination of the above-mentioned traits, each trait was evaluated based on the fattening periods between five selected target body weights (W1 = 100 kg, W2 = 200 kg, W3 = 300 kg, W4 = 400 kg, W5 = 450 kg). All markers with the exception of CAPN1 530, IGF1R, TG, and DGAT1 were associated with at least one of the traits. Furthermore, novel associations were observed for LEP × GHR, IGF1 × LEP, FABP4 3691 × FABP4 2834, and FAP4 3533 × LEP interactions. The results of this study confirm some previously reported associations. Moreover, novel associations have been identified, which may be incorporated into breeding programs to improve fattening performance.

Prevention of protein deficiency in dairy bull calves during fattening

“…Biological features of the young organism are rapid growth and lower consumption of nutrients per unit of increase in live weight [9][10]. With age, the efficiency of the use of nitrogen and energy expectedly decreases but remains 1.5-2 times higher than not only in extensive, semi-intensive, or intensive growing, but also at a more mature age.…”

Genetic variability of FABP4 c.328 G>A (rs110652478) polymorphism and its association with slaughter weight and carcass traits in Aberdeen Angus and Hereford bulls imported into Turkey

“…A SNP located in intron 1 of the FABP4 (g.2834C>G) was associated with desirable increases in live weight, hot carcass weight, and chilled carcass weight. 2 On the other hand, in Holstein bulls, a potential novel effect of FABP4 gene polymorphisms on average daily weight gain was shown by Ardicli et al 9 This gene was associated with carcass weight in various commercial beef cattle populations. Mizoshita et al 22 demonstrated that a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for carcass weight in purebred Japanese Black (Waygu) is close to the FABP4 gene on BTA14.…”

“…6 Taken together, this gene has been suggested as a functional and positional candidate gene for the evaluation of fat synthesis dynamics in cattle. [7][8][9] Although FABP4 gene shows its main effects on meat quality, 5,10 it is also of great importance in terms of some carcass characteristics. 2,11,12 The c.328 G>A polymorphism (rs110652478) in the bovine FABP4 gene is located on exon 3 and it induces valine to methionine substitution at position 110.…”

“…2,11,12 The c.328 G>A polymorphism (rs110652478) in the bovine FABP4 gene is located on exon 3 and it induces valine to methionine substitution at position 110. 8,9 This SNP has been associated with desirable increases in marbling scores and meat quality grades. 2,8 In Turkey, the supply and demand balance in beef has been tried to be regulated mostly by the importation of live animals or carcasses.…”

The relationship between snp-polymorphisms of the leptin gene and the development of fatty liver disease in dairy cows

“…The leptin gene and its polymorphism have been studied in connection with energy metabolism in beef cattle, milk production [8][9][10][11][12] and fattening qualities [13] in Holstein animals. Chinese researchers were able to establish that a number of LEP polymorphisms are associated with body weight, heart girth, average daily gain, and body length in native Chinese cattle [14].…”