Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on intramuscular fat content in Hungarian Simmental cattle

Objective: To estimate effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on the intramuscular fat content (IMF) of Hungarian Simmental bulls.

Methods: Genotypes were determined on high-density Illumina Bovine DNA Chip. After slaughtering of animals, chemical percentage of intramuscular fat was determined from longissimus dorsi muscle. A multi-locus mixed-model was applied for statistical analyses.

Results: Analyses revealed four loci (rs43284251, rs109210955, rs41630030, and rs41642251) to be highly associated (-log10P>12) with IMF located on chromosome 1, 6, 13, and 17, respectively. The frequency of their minor alleles was 0.426, 0.221, 0.162, and 0.106.

Conclusion: The loci above can be useful in selection programs and gives the possibility to assist selection by molecular tools.