The effect of DGAT1 polymorphism on milk production traits in dairycows depending on environmental temperature

It has long been known that a hot environment negatively influences milk production in cattle. Although molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon to a great extent remain to be recognized, they include alterations in lipid metabolism. DGAT1 plays a key role in the synthesis of triacylglycerols and polymorphism of this gene has been proven to have a pronounced influence on milk production. The aim of this study was to establish if the effect of DGAT1:p.K232A on milk-related traits is dependent on environmental thermal conditions. The analysis, performed on 468 cows of the Polish Holstein Friesian breed, showed that allele DGAT1:K232 significantly increased milk content traits regardless of the temperature. However, its decreasing effect on milk and protein yields as well as the increasing influence on fat yield was not observed in hot weather. Results of this study suggest that the effect of DGAT1:p.K232A on some milk production traits is not constant and may depend on environmental thermal conditions.

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