Abstract
The bovine thyroglobulin gene on chromosome 14 is a candidate for the marbling score and other carcass traits. In this study, we analyzed the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the thyroglobulin gene (TG5) with the predicted breeding values of carcass traits in Japanese Black sires and dams of Saga prefecture. In addition, we also analyzed the relationship between TG5 and the carcass traits using Japanese Black steers of Itoharusakae. Genotyping 42 sires and dams for the SNP revealed 7 animals homozygous for C allele, 19 animals heterozygous for C allele and T allele, and 16 animals homozygous for T allele. Statistically significant differences were detected in the predicted breeding values for rib eye area (P<0.05). The predicted breeding values for rib eye area were significantly higher in the CT heterozygote than the CC homozygote. Genotyping 232 steers of the Itoharusakae revealed 44 animals homozygous for C allele, 117 animals heterozygous for C allele and T allele, and 71 animals homozygous for T allele. Statistically significant difference for the SNP genotype was not detected in all carcass traits.
