Association of LEP gene polymorphism with biochemical parameters of lipid metabolism and milk productivity of Holstein cattle

Abstract

The aim of the work was to study serum biochemical parameters and qualitative composition of milk of cows with various genotypes of the LEP gene. The research was conducted in 148 Holstein cow-heifers of Integrated Agricultural Production Centre “Stud farm named after Lenin” of the Atninsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan. Cattle genotyping was conducted by the AC-PCR method at the laboratory of the Department of Agrobiological Research of Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture of FRC KazanSC of RAS. The findings of allele and genotype calling of the LEP gene showed that the population under study is polymorphic and differs in genetic biodiversity. The study of serum biochemical parameters of experimental animals testified that the level of triglycerides, cholesterol and lipase is meaningfully lower in the blood of animals with the TT genotype. This indicates the rate of lipid metabolism in their body. During the analysis of milk productivity and parameters of the qualitative composition of milk, it was found that cow-heifers with the TT genotype of the LEP gene were superior to animals with other LEP gene genotypes in terms of milk yield for standard lactation (305 days), fat mass fraction, milk fat yield, milk fat and milk protein yield in total. Thus, it may be concluded that the TT genotype of the LEP gene has a positive effect on the economically important characters of cattle, which can be used in breeding in the future.