Association between molecular genetics markers CAPN-1, CAST and growth traits in Brahman cattle in Costa Rica.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in μ-calpaine (CAPN-1) and calpastatina (CAST) genes associated with beef tenderness, and related to the presence of these genes with the expected progeny differences (EPDs) for growth characteristics. The blood samples (n= 82) were collected from Brahman male̓s bulls registered belonging to 7 farms, located at 4 geographic regions of Costa Rica. All males were included in the breeding program for beef cattle, managed by Corporación Ganadera (CORFOGA). The blood samples were analyzed at the molecular biology laboratory of Technological Institute of Costa Rica, San Carlos Headquarters. The presence of SNPs CAPN316, CAPN4751 (CAPN-1 gene) and CAST2959 (CAST gene) were analyzed. The allele frequencies in CAPN316 were estimated for C (0.006), G (0.994) and for genotypes CC (0.000), CG (0.013) and GG (0.987). The genetic marker CAPN4751 showed allele frequencies for C (0.165), T (0.835), as well as genotype frequencies of CC (0.025), CT (0.279) and TT (0.666). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms CAST2959 showed allele frequencies for A (0.667), G (0.333), and genotypic for AA (0.432), AG (0.469) and GG (0.099). A low frequency in CAPN316 of favorable C allele was determined, however, a more equilibrated frequency in CAPN4751 and CATS2959 was observed. In the association analysis between favorable SNPs and EPDs, a weak association was found, or even lack of correlation.