Association of the polymorphism in the 5′-noncoding region of the bovine growth hormone receptor gene with meat production traits in Polish Black-and-White cattle

Single and combined effects of polymorphisms in the 5’-noncoding region of the bovine growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene on the traits related to meat production were examined in Polish Black-and-White (BW; Friesian) cattle. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the P1 promoter region were analysed. One-hundred and fifty young bulls were included in the study. The traits analysed were daily weight gain, feed intake and conversion, and carcass parameters. Individual SNPs had no effect on growth rates, feed consumption and conversion but showed marked effect on carcass composition traits. The (−/−) genotype at RFLP-AluI appeared favorable for weight of carcass, carcass dressing percentage, and weight of lean in valuable cuts. Animals with the RFLP-NsiI (+/+) genotype seemed better for most of the carcass parameters. In addition, statistically significant associations were found between combined GHR genotypes and feed consumption, carcass weight and dimensions.