Molecular Characterization of Genetic Variability among Sudanese Baggara Cattle within Kappa Casein Csn3 Gene (Exon V)

Abstract

The present work was conducted to detect possible genetic variants of kappa casein (CSN3) gene in Western Baggara cattle in Sudan. This gene is associated with higher fat, protein, and has a significant influence on milk processing properties in comparison to other casein variants. 70 blood samples were collected from Western Baggara cattle in three areas (Hai Elgabal, Bulbul and Umdamm). Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood using guanidine chloroform method. A 495 bp fragment containing exon V of kappa casein gene was amplified by PCR using specific set of primers. The amplified PCR product was digested by Hinf1; the bands were visualized under UV-light to observe the polymorphic locus by the size change of DNA fragments. The results revealed that the restriction analysis produced two fragments of 424 and 71 bp indicating the presence of kappa casein BB genotype (monomorphic) in all population. The present study is the first report on kappa casein genotype of Baggara cattle in South Darfur State, Sudan, which elucidated uniform and homozygous population for kappa casein B allele.