Abstract
The bovine Akirin2 gene is located in the middle of chromosome 9 and a candidate gene for marbling score. The association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (+22220, A/G) with marbling score in Japanese Black population of Oita prefecture and significant effect for marbling score have been reported. In this study, the association of the SNP with the predicted breeding values of carcass traits in Japanese Black sires and dams of Saga prefecture was analyzed. The relationship between the SNP and the carcass traits of Japanese Black steers of Itoharusakae's paternal half-sib family was also studied. Genotyping 33 sires and dams for the SNP revealed 11 animals homozygous for A allele, 12 animals heterozygous for G allele and A allele, and 10 animals homozygous for G allele. Statistically significant differences were detected in the predicted breeding values for carcass weight and rib thickness (P<0.05). The predicted breeding values for carcass weight and rib thickness were significantly higher in the GG homozygote. Genotyping 238 steers of the Itoharusakae's paternal half-sib family revealed 60 animals homozygous for A allele, 122 animals heterozygous for G allele and A allele, and 56 animals homozygous for G allele. The meat luster and meat tightness and texture grade were significantly higher in the AA homozygote.
