Correlation analysis between SNPs of A-FABP gene and characteristics of carcass and meat quality in Zaosheng Cattle

In order to study the polymorphism of A-FABP gene and its correlation with the characteristics of carcass and meat quality in Zaosheng cattle (Bos taurus), the SNPs of A-FABP gene in five groups of Zaosheng cattle (Qingyang, Pingliang, Hybrid of Qingyang with South Devon, Hybrid of Simmental with Pingliang and Hybrid of Qinchuan with Pingliang) were detected using PCR-SSCP and their characteristics of carcass and meat quality were analyzed. The results showed that there was a base mutation at c.280 AG of A-FABP gene in exon 2 which lead to three genotypes AA, AG and GG. The statistical correlation analysis indicated that dressing percentage of AG genotype was extremely significantly higher (P0.01) than that of AA genotype. Percentage of net meat in GG genotype was extremely significantly higher (P0.01) than that of AA genotype. The WBSF of AA genotype was significantly higher (P0.05) than that of AG genotype. These results suggested that the site mutation of A-FABP gene could be considered as maker to carcass and meat quality. Key words: Zaosheng cattle; A-FABP gene; SNPs; carcass quality; meat quality traits