Effect of TG5 and LEP polymorphisms on the productivity, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of meat from Simmental bulls

Background and aim: Enhancing the nutritional and biological value of meat obtained from young surplus replacement animals of dual-purpose breeds is a critical objective in the livestock industry. This study aimed to investigate the impact of thyroglobulin (TG5, c. -422C > T) and leptin (LEP, c. 239C > T) polymorphisms on the productivity, chemical composition, and fatty acid (FA) profile of meat from Simmental bulls.

Materials and methods: A total of 26 Simmental bulls were genotyped for TG5 (c. -422C > T) and LEP (c. 239C > T) polymorphisms and reared under the same fattening conditions. Controlled slaughter was conducted at 18 months of age. Subsequently, the experimental animals were evaluated to determine their slaughter traits and the chemical and FA composition of ground beef and the longissimus dorsi muscle.

Results: The results showed that the TG5 (c. -422C > T) polymorphism significantly (p < 0.05) affected the differentiation of bulls in terms of the synthesis of stearic acid, linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated FAs, as well as the fat and dry matter content in the longissimus dorsi muscle. Conversely, the presence of the T allele in the LEP (c. 239C > T) polymorphism was associated with increased dry matter and fat in ground beef, carcass weight, and internal fat weight.

Conclusion: The analysis of slaughter traits and the chemical and FA composition of meat from the Simmental bulls genotyped for the TG5 and LEP genes revealed a genetic basis for the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of meat productivity. Thus, the genetic variability of bulls regarding the LEP and TG5 genes can be used to improve the quantitative and qualitative indicators of meat productivity in Simmental cattle through marker-assisted selection.