Coorrelation between haplotypes for k - caseine and lactic production characteristics in holstein cattle

López M, Hernández V.*, Estrada L.**

ABSTRACT

Protein levels and specifically casein are important in the industrial processes of milk, especially in clotting and clot formation. Characterization of genotype frequencies is important to determine the genetic value of the animals. This experiment was carried out to determine the genotype frequencies and to establish the correlation between haplotypes and production phenotypes.

Milk and blood samples were taken from 54 first parity Holstein heifers from farms in the Sabana de Bogotá (2000-3000 meters above sea level; 12-18°C). Milk samples were analyzed for protein, casein, fat and lactose percent, whereas the blood was used to genotype the animals for the k-casein gene (AA, AB and BB). Also, data was taken from the Dairy Herd Improvement Program of the Holstein Association of Colombia for the 305 day 2X milk production. The data were used to determine the allelic and genotypic frequency of the k-casein gene and the correlation between the haplotypes and protein content, casein percent and 305 day 2X milk production projection. The genotype frequency was 57.41% for haplotype AA, 37.04% for haplotype AB and 5.55% for haplotype BB. The allelic frequency was 75.93% for allele A and 24.07% for allele B. There was a high significant correlation between the haplotypes and the protein percent in the milk (P>.975) being the BB haplotype superior to the AB and AA haplotypes. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the haplotypes and the casein percent nor the 305 day 2x milk production projection, even though the BB haplotype always showed higher values than the others.

Keywords: : allele, haplotypes, PCR, RFLP, gene frequency

*M.Sc. Unidad de Genética Molecular - Asociación Holstein de Colombia.

** MV., M.Sc., Ph.D. Profesor Asociado Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia.