A new mutation in the coding region of the bovine leptin gene associated with feed intake

An experimental cattle population was screened for polymorphisms in the leptin gene and five SNPs were found in the regions containing the coding sequences. The association of these polymorphisms with feed intake and fat-related traits was evaluated. The results suggest an association between a polymorphism in exon 2, described here for the first time, and feed intake. Individuals with genotype A/T at this position had 19% greater mean feed intake than individuals with genotype A/A. There was also evidence for a link between leptin haplotypes and some fat-related traits.