Polymorphism of OPN and UTMP Genes in the Iranian Holstein Bulls

OPN gene is located in the middle of chromosome 6 and it is reported that this gene is essential for the growth of mammary glands and lactation. UTMP gene is located on chromosome 21 and it plays a role in embryo survival rates and fertility rates. Studies have also shown that these two genes have a significant association with milk production traits and health traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of OPN and UTMP genes in Iranian Holstein Bulls. Genomic DNA of 100 bulls was extracted from semen samples. Primers were designed with Oligo software and utilized for amplification of 826 bp of OPN gene and 568 bp fragments of UTMP gene. PCR products were digested with BsrI enzyme. Results had shown that genotype frequencies CC, CT and TT of OPN gene were 16.69, 48.62, and 34.69, respectively and the allelic frequencies of C and T were 0.41 and 0.51, respectively. Genotype frequencies2 observed for genotypes AB, BB, BC and CC of UTMP were 0.27, 0.49, 0.13 and 0.11 respectively and genotypes AA and AC were not observed in studied population. Results showed that A, B and C allele frequencies were 0.135, 0.69 and 0.175, respectively. The x2 test has shown deviation from H ardy-Weinberg equilibrium for OPN and UTMP genes in the studied population. With respect to the favoralde effect of both genes on milk production traits, the allelic frequency of these genes could be changed in order to breeding purposes.