Analysis of two pit-1 gene polymorphisms and relationships with growth performance traits in Podolica young bulls

Abstract

Pit-1 is a pituitary-specific transcription factor responsible for pituitary development and hormone expression in mammals. In this study the Pit-1/ HinfI and Pit-1/ TaqI loci were investigated using PCR-RFLP approach in a sample of 308 Podolica young bulls. All the possible genotypes for both the SNPs were identified. The allelic frequencies at Pit-1/ TaqI locus were 0.76 ( G) and 0.24 ( A) while those at Pit-1/ HinfI locus were 0.70 ( B) and 0.30 ( A). Combined genotypic frequencies and possible haplotypes frequencies were also reported. Moreover the relationships between these SNPs and the growth traits of the Podolica bulls were studied. A positive effect of the Pit-1/ HinfI B allele on growth traits were observed. Furthermore significant statistical results concerning the association between Pit-1/ TaqI and early development (from birth to weaning) were found, with a superiority of the G allele. When in combination, the positive effects of the Pit-1/ HinfI B and the Pit-1/ TaqI G allele were partially confirmed.