The Uterine Milk Protein (UTMP) gene is associated with milk production traits in Iranian Holstein bulls

Abstract

Uterine Milk Protein (UTMP) the member of Serine Protease Inhibitor superfamily secreted from uterine endometrium during pregnancy under influence of progesterone. Specific functions of UTMP include protease inhibition, growth control, and direct nutrition of the conceptus. This investigation was performed in order to study polymorphism of UTMP gene and its association with milk production traits in Iranian Holstein bulls. Genomic DNA was extracted from 100 semen samples of proven bulls. In order to amplify 568bp-fragment including same part of intron 3, whole exon 4 and downstream of UTMP gene, a pair of primer was designed. PCR products were digested with BsrI enzyme. The allele frequencies of a, b and c were 0.135, 0.69 and 0.175, respectively in studied population. Four genotypes AB, BB, BC and CC were observed with frequencies of 0.27, 0.49, 0.13 and 0.11, respectively. Genotypes AA and AC were not observed in this study. The chi-square (X2) test revealed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Data were obtained from animal breeding centre of Iran for the first lactation during 1993-2008 to estimate some genetic parameters. Heritability of milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percent and protein percent were 0.28, 0.21, 0.22, 0.32 and 0.34 respectively. Results indicated significant association between UTMP Genotypes and milk, fat and protein yield traits. Meanwhile, Bulls with CC Genotype had higher milk, fat and protein yield compared to other genotypes (p<0.05). These results suggested UTMP as a candidate gene influencing milk production traits might be implemented in breeding programs to improve the production performance of Iranian Holstein cattle.