Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in PPARGC1A Gene Associates Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle

This study was designed to find out possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PPARGC1A gene and milk production traits. In the current study, one SNP at g.85330C T position was identified in 9^th intron of PPARGC1A gene through pooled DNA sequencing. The identified SNP was genotyped using MALDI-TOF MS technique in 752 individuals from the Chinese Holstein cattle breed. The frequency of C allele at position g.85330C T was more frequent in our population (0.69), followed by the T allele (0.31). From the association results, significant differences were found between PPARGC1A genotypes in the protein concentration and protein yield. Heterozygous cows with CT genotype at the g.85330C T locus showed the highest protein yield, with more than 4.18 kg compared with homozygous cows with TT genotype; homozygous CC cows were found at intermediate position. In case of protein percentage, homozygous cows with TT genotype were significantly greater than heterozygous CT cows, with a difference of about 0.012%; CC cows were found in lowest position. The allele substitution results demonstrated that g.85330C T-C allele decreased protein yield (1.23kg) and protein percentage (0.016%). This result clearly indicated that g.85330C T-T allele increased protein percentage and protein yield.