Polymorphisms in the MTRN1A gene and their effects on the productive and reproductive traits in buffaloes

• Published in: Tropical animal health and production Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 337 - 340
• Main Authors: Zetouni, Larissa, de Camargo, Gregório Miguel Ferreira, da Silva Fonseca, Patricia Dias, Cardoso, Diercles Francisco, Gil, Fernanda Maria Monsalves, Hurtado-Lugo, Naudin Alejandro, Aspilcueta-Borquis, Rusbel Raul, Cervini, Marcelo, Tonhati, Humberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer-Verlag 01-02-2014; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; buffaloes; Buffaloes - genetics; Buffaloes - physiology; calving; calving interval; Environmental factors; Female; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; genes; Genotype; Genotypes; Lactation - genetics; Lactation - physiology; Life Sciences; melatonin; milk; Milk production; Photoperiod; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pregnancy; Receptor, Melatonin, MT1 - genetics; Receptor, Melatonin, MT1 - metabolism; receptors; Regular Article; Reproduction - genetics; Reproduction - physiology; reproductive traits; Seasonal variations; secretion; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Zoology; Protein percentage; Melatonin; SNP; Buffalo; Polymorphism
• ISSN: 0049-4747; 1573-7438
• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0493-1

The main environmental factor that affects the regulation of reproductive seasonality is photoperiod through its effects on melatonin secretion. The melatonin receptor MTRN1A appears to be involved in regulating the reproductive seasonality and milk production in the period. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the MTRN1A gene and their possible associations with milk, fat and protein productions, fat and protein percentages, age at first calving, and first calving interval in buffaloes. Three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) were identified by PCR-RFLP, and there was a significant association with protein percentage (P < 0.0001). Further studies are necessary to better understand the influence of melatonin gene and their receptors in the productive functions of buffaloes.