Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine leptin gene and their association with carcass and efficiency traits, and endocrine profiles, in female Angus cows

One hundred and fifty female Angus cattle were genotyped for the bovine leptin gene SNPs UASMS1, UASMS2, E2FB and E2JW. Net Feed Intake (NFI) Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and E2JW SNP data was also acquired from 169 Angus cattle that originated from Trangie Research Station, NSW, and were selected for a divergence in feed efficiency. The E2JW SNP was associated with NFI, NFI EBV and P8 fatness. The UASMS1 and UASMS2 SNPs were associated with circulating leptin concentrations. These particular associations have not been reported previously but similar associations have reported in North American studies. The inconsistent associations suggest that these SNPs are not good candidates for marker-assisted selection for NFI. Also, the investigation of associations with endocrine profiles that reflect body composition such as leptin, requires genotyping of a larger number of Australian cattle than was possible in this experiment