Association of polymorphisms in lipid and energy metabolism-related genes with fattening performance in Simmental cattle

Lipid and energy metabolism are major constituents of mammal growth and thus fattening performance of cattle. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in lipid and energy metabolism-related genes including oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), lactoferrin (LTF), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), beta-lactoglobulin (LGB), thyroglobulin (TG), annexin A9 (ANXA9), myogenic factor 5 (MYF5), protein kinase AMP-activated non-catalytic subunit gamma 3 (PRKAG3), and pituitary-specific transcriptional factor 1 (PIT1), on fattening performance in Simmental cattle. A total of 72 purebred Simmental bulls with a similar initial age and weight were fattened on the same farm for 10 months. Association analysis was performed using linear mixed models. The OLR1 marker was significantly associated with the final weight (FW), hot carcass weight (HCW), chilled carcass weight (CCW), dressing percentage (DP), and total weight gain (TWG). SCD affected the FW, TWG, and average daily live weight gain (ADWG). The present results clearly demonstrated the significant impact of the TG marker on fattening performance. It was highly significantly associated with the FW, HCW, CCW, and TWG. The SCD x TG and the OLR1 x TG interactions had remarkable effects on the traits analyzed. The GACC and CCCC haplotypes of the SCD x TG and OLR1 x TG, respectively, were found to be powerful markers for fattening performance in Simmentals. Novel associations in this study may be useful for further genetic evaluations to improve beef cattle breeding.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of genes related to lipid and energy metabolism on fattening performance in Simmental cattle. The results showed that genes such as OLR1, SCD, and TG were associated with fattening performance. Interactions between SCD x TG and OLR1 x TG had significant effects on the traits analyzed.