Candidate genes for fat deposition in reference families of Nellore breed

• Grant number: 08/02631-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2009
• End date: February 28, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Genetics and Improvement of Domestic Animals
• Principal Investigator: Luciana Correia de Almeida Regitano
• Grantee: Polyana Cristine Tizioto
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

To remain competitive in the market of meat production, it is crucial that the Brazilian producer is aware of the criteria used by consumers for local and international markets. Some factors such as flavor, appearance, convenience and nutritional level have been prioritized by consumers, in addition to price. Brazil represents the second largest herd of cattle (first commercial), but despite the high economic potential of the sector, competitiveness is based on low prices and little competitiveness is experienced in markets that focus quality. One of the factors that determines the quality of beef is genetics. Animal breeding allows for the change of the population genetics composition of cattle and may result in the increase of production in economic relevant traits through selection. But it is necessary to conduct studies in Brazil to understand the genetic variation of characteristics of meat quality and feed efficiency, so that they can outline plans to improve such attributes. The amount and distribution of fat in the carcass is one of the factors that determine the quality of the product. Breeding programs may use molecular criteria, such as molecular markers to increase its efficiency. In cattle, a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) have been related to fat deposition. Thus, this project aims to assess the presence of SNPs in candidate genes Leptin, PPARGC1A (peroxisome proliferative active receptor gamma coactivator 1A) and PSMC1 (proteasome subunit 26S, ATPase, 1) and associate them with fat deposition in reference families of the Nelore breed.