The SCD1 gene encodes the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase – SCD responsible for converting saturated fatty acids into their unsaturated form. This is possible by forming a double bond between carbon atoms. A valuable role of unsaturated fatty acids is the regulation of lipid metabolism, the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body. Expression of the SCD1 gene affects the fatty acid content and nutritional value of milk in Holstein-Friesian cattle breeds as well as Brown Swiss and Jersey.
A polymorphism in the gene encoding SCD, located on chromosome 26 of cattle, contributes to the change of the amino acid alanine to valine. Mutation within this gene allows the enzyme’s catalytic activity to be altered, affecting fatty acid composition and favorable changes in milk yield and protein and fat content. The TT variant (SCDS) was found to be a particularly favorable genotype showing higher fat and protein content in milk.
| Result | Interpretation |
| SCDS | HIGH PROTEIN AND FAT CONTENT |
| SCDC | MEDIUM PROTEIN AND FAT CONTENT |
| SCDF | MODERATE PROTEIN AND FAT CONTENT |
REFERENCES #
- Kulig H., Kowalewska-Łuczak I., Żukowski K. Kunicka M. SCD1 SNP in relation to breeding value of milk production traits in polish holstein-friesian cows. (2013). Acta Sci. Pol., Zootechnica 12 (1), 41–48.
- Komisarek J. & Dorynek Z. Effect of ABCG2, PPARGC1A, OLR1 and SCD1 gene polymorphism on estimated breeding values for functional and production traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls. (2009). J Appl Genet 50(2), pp. 125–132.