Association of the heart fatty acid-binding protein (FABP3) gene with milk traits in Manchega breed sheep

The ovine fatty acid-binding protein type 3 gene has been chosen as a functional candidate gene for milk traits. Two different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ovine FABP3 gene have been tested in a daughter design comprising 13 families. No association was found between estimated breeding values for milk yield, protein and fat contents (FC) and genotypes across families using anova and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). In within-family analysis, one family showed a significant effect for FC. These results could indicate linkage disequilibrium between the FABP3 gene and a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FC, with the heterozygous genotype associated with a positive effect in this trait.