Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms and fertility in beef cattle.
Four hundred and twenty-two beef cattle of two different breeds (purebred Hereford and composite multibreed) were characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, using the restriction enzymes ApaI, AvaII, HindIII, PstI, SpeI, SspI and TaqI in two regions (the D-loop and the ND-5 gene) of mitochondrial DNA. The association between molecular haplotypes and records on calving rate, defined as the mean number of live calves born per year over 4 years, were examined by analysis of variance. A significant association was found between calving rate and mitochondrial polymorphisms in both breeds. This may have implications for genetically improving cow fertility.
Sutarno
Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Cummins
J M
JM
Greeff
J
J
Lymbery
A J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D008460:Meat; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D011247:Pregnancy
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; C061568:endodeoxyribonuclease SspI; C024388:CTGCAG-specific type II deoxyribonucleases; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; C038485:GGGCCC-specific type II deoxyribonucleases; C038308:GGWCC-specific type II deoxyribonucleases; C027046:TCGA-specific type II deoxyribonucleases