DGAT1 is a gene encoding an enzyme responsible for the last step of triglyceride synthesis. It is involved in the process of lactation and the development of the secretory epithelium of the mammary gland. Mutation within the DGAT1 gene shows a favorable association with milk production traits in many cattle breeds, including Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey and Simmental cattle.
The polymorphism of the DGAT1 gene involves a change in the DNA sequence of the amino acid lysine to alanine within chromosome 14 (BTA 14). The mutation of this gene affects the composition of milk fat, in particular, the K allele, which is responsible for the presence of lysine, has shown a beneficial effect on the fat and protein content of milk, while the A allele associated with the appearance of alanine affects increased milk yield.
Cattle with the KA genotype produced milk containing more fat and protein, which was associated with higher energy concentration. The favorable effect of the trait on milk yield is associated with the trait’s additive nature. Adequate lysine and alanine ratio in the DGAT1 gene provides desirable milk characteristics and components.
| Result | Interpretation |
| KK | MILK WITH LISYNE |
| KA | MILK WITH LISYNE AND ALANINE |
| AA | MILK WITH ALANINE |
REFERENCES #
- Behailu S., Hailu H. & Hunduma D. (2022). Effect of DGAT1 K232A mutation and breed on milk traits in Cattle Populations of Ethiopia. World News of Natural Sciences 45, 143-157.
- Koopaei H., Mohammadabadi M., Ansari Mahyari S., Esmailizadeh A., Tarang A. & Potki P. (2012). Effect of DGAT1 variants on milk composition traits in Iranian Holstein cattle population. Animal Science Papers and Reports 30(3), 231-239.
- Strzałkowska N., Siadkowska E., Słoniewski K., Krzyżewski J. & Zwierzchowski L. (2005). Effect of the DGAT1 gene polymorphism on milk production traits in Black-and-White (Friesian) cows. Animal Science Papers and Reports vol. 23 no. 3, 189-197.