Acta Vet. Brno 2013, 82: 265-269
Detection of DGAT1 gene polymorphism and its effect on selected biochemical indicators in dairy cows after calving
The aim of the study was to detect DGAT1 K232A polymorphism in 57 dairy cows of the Slovak Spotted breed and its crossbreds, and to assess possible effect of the given polymorphism on selected metabolic indices in blood serum after calving. Using the PCR-RFLP method with improved primers enabling better differentiation of genotypes we identified 45 homozygotes for alanine variant in this locus (AA genotype), 2 homozygotes for lysine variant (KK genotype), and 10 heterozygotes (AK genotype). Genotype frequencies were 0.790 for AA genotype, 0.175 for AK genotype, and only 0.035 for KK genotype. Allele frequencies were counted as 0.877 for A allele and 0.123 for K allele. In both groups of animals (AA and AK genotype) increased mean values above the upper reference limit of lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin, and decreased levels below the lower reference limit of triglycerides were detected. In the group of animals with AA genotype we also noticed decreased levels of non-esterified fatty acids. On the other hand, increased serum concentrations of total immunoglobulins were found in animals with AK and KK genotype. This is the first study concerning DGAT1 polymorphism in the Slovak Spotted breed and its association with selected biochemical indicators.