Polymorphisms of the CAPN1, CAST and MSTN Genes, and Their Association with Histological and Textural Parameters of Beef from Polish Holstein-Friesian Cattle

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse polymorphisms of the CAPN1, CAST and MSTN genes and their association with the microstructure of the Musculus longissimus thoracis (MLT) and textural parameters in bulls of the Holstein-Friesian breeds, black-and-white variety. The polymorphisms at the three loci: in position 6536 of the 3'UTR region of the CAPN1 gene, in position 230 of intron 5 in CAST gene, and in position 371 of the promoter region of the MSTN gene were analysed. Given the inconsequential genetic diversity at the analysed CAPN1 and MSTN loci in the animal sample, it was considered unreasonable to perform further statistical analyses aimed at determining associations between polymorphisms in these positions and meat characteristics. Based on an analysis of the CAST gene polymorphism, a significant association with certain histological and textural parameters was identified.