Association of polymorphisms in the bovine leptin gene with ultrasound measurements for improving in Korean cattle

Abstract

The identification method that inflects real time ultrasound (RUT) and the potential application of marker assisted selection (MAS) for improvement of a cow population of Hanwoo (Korean Native cattle) was studied. The averages of RUT longissimus muscle area, RUT fat thickness, and RUT marbling score scanned at the 13th rib were 55.78 cm2, 3.70 mm and 3.83 scores, respectively. We investigated the effects of the two SNPs (Kpn2 I and Msp I) in the leptin gene on carcass traits for Hanwoo cows by using ultrasound measurements. Genotype CC of the Kpn2 I had a significantly higher effect on back fat thickness (4.23 mm) and longissimus muscle area (57.57 cm2) than genotype TT (3.14 mm, 53.93 cm2, respectively, p<0.05). Genotype AA of the Msp I had a significantly higher effect only on marbling score (5.37) than genotype AB (3.57, p<0.05) and BB (3.37, p<0.05). Significant effects of SNPs in the leptin gene were found for the ultrasound measures of body composition in live cattle.