Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) Gene Polymorphism in New Zealand Holstein Friesian Cattle under Dairy Breeding Station and Its Correlation with Milk Quality

Abstract

Functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in major genes can be potential to be used genetic assisted selection (GAS) to improve considered traits. Using GAS into breeding program could give more accurate and ef cient results. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) gene is one of potential candidate major genes to improve milk components. The occurrence of dinucleotide substitution of AA to GC at exon 8 in the DGAT1 gene causes the change of lysine to alanine in amino acid (K232A). The aims of the study were to study Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase1 K232A (DGAT1 K232A) gene polymorphism and its association with milk quality components (fat, protein, SNF, lactose, DM) in Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cattle imported from New Zealand. A total of 72 cows were investigated from Baturraden Excellent Dairy Cattle Breeding Station (Baturraden EDCBS). Genotyping of the DGAT1 gene by PCR-RFLP technique using EaeI restriction enzyme resulted in a fragment length by 411 bp. Genotype frequencies of KK, KA and AA were respectively 0.24, 0.76 and 0.00; while allele frequencies of K and A were 0.61 and 0.39. The result showed that the DGAT1 was polymorphic but its genotypes (KK and KA) were not signi cantly associated with individual milk components. Effect of DGAT1 polymorphism on milk quality should further be con rmed in a wider investigation.