Effect of prolactin gene polymorphism on milk production traits in Ukrainian black-and-white dairy cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of prolactin (PRL) gene polymorphism on milk production traits involving total milk yield, milk composition and technological properties in Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cattle (n=200). PCR-RFLP method was used to PRL genotypes detecting. In this herd, the frequencies of alleles were follows: A=0,120 and G=0,880. The frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes were 0,017, 0,211 and 0,772 respectively. Results showed that PRL AA genotype had a statistically significant (P<0,05) higher milk yield and milk protein yield in comparison with alternative genotypes. With respect to technological properties (milk rennetability and heat stability), the AA genotype had higher levels than the AG and GG individuals. The obtained data confirmed that PRL may be a strong candidate gene for application in marker assisted selection and could be used as an important source of information for producers as well as for breeders.