Effect of STAT1, OLR1, CSN1S1, CSN1S2, and DGAT1 genes on milk yield and composition traits of Holstein breed

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to evaluate allelic frequencies and test the association between STAT1, OLR1, CSN1S1, CSN1S2, and DGAT1 gene polymorphisms and milk production traits including lactation milk yield, 305 days milk yield, days before peak milk production, and peak milk yield. In addition, samples of milk were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, and total solid contents. A total of 168 purebred Holstein-Fresian cows were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using least square methods of the general linear model procedure. Significant differences were found between genotypes of the CSN1S2 locus in relation to milk protein content. In addition, DGAT1 was significantly associated with peak milk production. These results suggested that CSN1S2 and DGAT1 markers may be evaluated to achieve various commercial goals in dairy cattle production.