Abstract:

Abstract: The main function of ZAG gene is to enable the decomposition of fat, and reduced fat content. In this study, polymorphisms of four loci (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) at the coding region of the bovine ZAG gene were detected in 145 Jiaxian red cattle, and polymorphisms were found on Z1, Z3, Z4 loci. The fragments showing different SSCP patterns were sequenced, nd a total of six SNPs (C115T, A3257G, A4013G, T4027C, C4032T, and T4120C) were found. The Z3 locus of ZAG gene was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while Z1 and Z4 loci of ZAG gene were not at Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium. The association analysis of different genotypes with some of the growth and development traits showed that the individuals with genotype AC had a larger body length, heart girth, circumference of cannon bone, body weight than the individuals with genotypes AA and AB (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively) in Z4 locus. It is suggest that Z4 locus may be one of the marker-assisted selection used as growth traits in Jiaxian red cattle.