A novel polymorphism of the GDF₁₀ gene and its association with body measurement traits in Chinese indigenous cattle.

Body measurement traits are known to play numerous important roles in the assessment of productivity and economic value. They are influenced by several factors, among which genetic factors are predominant. The gene GDF₁₀ is involved in skeletal morphogenesis and is associated with body measurement traits. It may be an important candidate gene for marker-assisted selection. We used the PCR-SSCP technology to examine a possible association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (G142A) of the bovine GDF₁₀ gene with body measurement traits in 417 animals belonging to six different Chinese cattle populations: Xue long (Xl), Luxi (Lx), Qinchuan (Qc), Jiaxian red (Jx), Xianang (Xn), and Nanyang (Ny). In the Jx population, least squares analysis revealed significant effects on hip width, chest depth and chest circumference. The animals with the GG genotype had higher mean values than those with the GA genotype for all three traits. We conclude that the SNP of the GDF₁₀ gene could be a very useful genetic marker for body traits in Jx cattle reproduction and breeding.