Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative modulator of muscle mass. Previously, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in horse MSTN gene that could be associated with morphological traits. In particular, two SNPs of the promoter of MSTN gene were statistically more frequent in heavy than in light horse breeds. In addition, other studies indicated that a SNP in the first intron of the MSTN is associated with athletic abilities in Thoroughbred horses. Here, we evaluated the effect of SNPs in the MSTN gene on several morphological traits measured in Italian Heavy Draft Horse (IHDH) breed. This horse breed is currently selected mainly for meat production. The linear type evaluation data of registered animals in the studbook were used to calculate estimated breeding values (EBVs) for 11 traits related to general aspects, trunk and leg traits. Two hundred and six horses (53 mares and 153 stallions) were chosen according to the accuracy of EBVs and genealogical information. DNA was extracted from hair roots and genotyped by PCR-RFLPs for 3 SNPs, two in the promoter and one in the first intron of the MSTN gene. Minor allele frequencies of SNPs varied from 0.117 to 0.147. Significant associations of markers with head size and expression (P<0.05), direction of upper line (P<0.01), and rear diameter (P<0.05) were identified. These morphological traits have an important economic value for carcass and meat yields, and longevity of mares.
Association of myostatin (MSTN) gene polymorphisms with morphological traits in the Italian Heavy Draft Horse breed
MANTOVANI, ROBERTO;
2011
Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative modulator of muscle mass. Previously, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in horse MSTN gene that could be associated with morphological traits. In particular, two SNPs of the promoter of MSTN gene were statistically more frequent in heavy than in light horse breeds. In addition, other studies indicated that a SNP in the first intron of the MSTN is associated with athletic abilities in Thoroughbred horses. Here, we evaluated the effect of SNPs in the MSTN gene on several morphological traits measured in Italian Heavy Draft Horse (IHDH) breed. This horse breed is currently selected mainly for meat production. The linear type evaluation data of registered animals in the studbook were used to calculate estimated breeding values (EBVs) for 11 traits related to general aspects, trunk and leg traits. Two hundred and six horses (53 mares and 153 stallions) were chosen according to the accuracy of EBVs and genealogical information. DNA was extracted from hair roots and genotyped by PCR-RFLPs for 3 SNPs, two in the promoter and one in the first intron of the MSTN gene. Minor allele frequencies of SNPs varied from 0.117 to 0.147. Significant associations of markers with head size and expression (P<0.05), direction of upper line (P<0.01), and rear diameter (P<0.05) were identified. These morphological traits have an important economic value for carcass and meat yields, and longevity of mares.
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