Identification of genetic polymorphisms in the stearoyl CoA desaturase gene and its association with milk quality traits in Najdi sheep

Abstract The nutritional quality of milk, which is determined by its fatty acid (FA) composition, and the candidate gene stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) can be used in conjunction with these traits to improve dairy products. aim this study was identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) SCD associations milk composition FA profiles Najdi sheep 72 multiparous ewes under same feeding system. Milk blood samples were taken during first lactation (<30 days milk). Analysis alignment DNA sequences identified SNP g.87C>A promoter g.1033G>A exon 2 gene. Association analysis showed that significantly associated ( P ≤ 0.05) palmitic (C16:0), alpha linoleic (ALA – C18:3-n3), linolenic (LA C18:2-n6), polyunsaturated (PUFA). In addition, a significant < association odd-chain FAs (heptadecanoic [C17:0] heneicosanoic [C21:0]). results may important synthesis PUFA contributes healthier Overall, breed crucial, particularly essential acids: ALA-n3 LA-n6 fat.