The Identification of Novel Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Equine Beta-Lactoglobulin and Lactotransferrin Genes.
Authors: Işık Raziye
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Milk composition and yield in equines are economically important traits influenced by genetic variation, yet genomic data for donkeys remain sparse compared to other species. Researchers used DNA sequencing to characterise genetic variation in β-lactoglobulin and lactotransferrin genes across 77 donkeys from Turkey's Thrace region, identifying four novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the third intron of the β-LG gene (g.12887G>A, g.12973G>A, g.12654G>A, and g.13057T>C) and one in the 14th intron of the LTF gene (g.272719G>A). Since β-LG is a major whey protein affecting milk composition and LTF plays a functional role in iron transport and immune function, these genetic variants may influence lactation parameters and milk quality in donkeys. Whilst the functional consequences of these intronic SNPs remain to be determined through association studies, they represent candidate markers for selective breeding programmes aimed at optimising milk production traits in donkey herds, and their characterisation establishes a genomic foundation for future nutritional and breeding research in this species.
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Practical Takeaways
- •These genetic markers could be incorporated into future donkey breeding programs to select for improved milk yield and composition traits
- •The newly sequenced genes provide a baseline reference for detecting milk protein variants in donkey populations
- •Further functional studies are needed to determine whether these SNPs have measurable effects on milk production before implementing breeding recommendations
Key Findings
- •Four novel SNPs identified in the third intron of β-LG gene (g.12887G>A, g.12973G>A, g.12654G>A, g.13057T>C) in donkey populations
- •One novel SNP identified in the 14th intron of LTF gene (g.272719G>A) in donkeys
- •First reported DNA sequences of β-LG and LTF genes in donkeys, deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MK125015 and MK211165
- •Identified SNPs may influence milk yield and composition, suggesting potential application as candidate markers for selective breeding