Association of a polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the OLR1 gene with milk fat and protein in dairy cows
Abstract. Oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) is the major cell surface receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). The role of OLR1 in lipid metabolism and the existence of milk-related QTL in the vicinity of the OLR1 gene have prompted the investigation of OLR1 as a candidate gene influencing milk production traits. The present study explored the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3' untranslated region of the OLR1 gene (OLR1g.8232 C>A) with milk-related traits in 408 Iranian Holstein cows. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was performed for genotyping the animals. Animals with genotype CC had the highest and animals with genotype AA had the lowest fat percentage while genotype AC was intermediate (P<0.05). Cows carrying genotype CC showed more milk fat yield compared to the genotypes AC (P<0.1) and AA (P<0.01). Cows of genotypes CC and AC had a higher milk protein percentage than those of genotype AA (P<0.01). Regarding the association revealed, the SNP has the potential to be considered as a marker in marker-assisted selection.
