Proceedings of the XLVI Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics - SIGA Annual Congress

Giardini Naxos, Italy - 18/21 September, 2002

ISBN 88-900622-3-1

Poster Abstract - 4.56

PCR-RFLP test for direct identification of melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor (MSHR) locus alleles causing red coat colour in Holstein cattle

PARISET L., SAVARESE M.C., CAPPUCCIO I., VALENTINI A.

Dipartimento di Produzioni Animali, Facoltà di Agraria, Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy

coat colour, cattle, selection, RFLP-PCR

A direct test to determine the presence of the recessive alleles causing red colour in Holstein cattle at DNA level is proposed. Based on a single PCR reaction and two digestions of the amplified product, compared to previously described methods this is an effective, relatively economic and quick method for detecting individuals carrying recessive alleles involved in coat coloration. Digestion with restriction enzymes was used to distinguish among the alleles. Direct sequencing of the PCR products confirmed the identified genotypes.

This test, besides facilitating the detection of polymorphisms in populations, could be employed to exclude from breeding schemes animals carrying alleles resulting in an undesired coat colour.