Exploring the relationship between polymorphisms of leptin and IGF-1 genes with milk yield in indicine and taurine crossbred cows

Abstract

Leptin and IGF-1 plays a significant role in milk production and lactation in bovines. The present investigation was carried out to identify the novel polymorphisms in exon 3 region of leptin gene and exon 3 + partial intron 3 of IGF-1 gene and to analyze their association with the milk production performance in indicine and taurine crossbred (Karan Fries) cows. Blood samples were collected from 160 apparently healthy Karan Fries cows. Four SNPs at positions rs29004508 (C>T), rs29004509 (C>T), rs29004510 (T>C), rs29004511 (T>C) in Leptin gene and two SNPs at positions rs133251968 (C>A), rs137289661(C>T) in IGF-1 gene were found in Karan Fries cows, however rs29004509 (C>T) had positive correlation (p<0.05) with milk yield. The genetic variants observed in exon 3 region of leptin gene and their association with milk yield traits revealed the importance of CT genotype, which had been useful for genetic improvement of Karan Fries cow for milk production traits and can also be utilized as a potential genetic marker to select appropriate animals.