Genotyping bovines for SCARB1 polymorphisms

摘要

The present invention provides methods of genotyping bovine for desired milk or tissue colour or b -carotene content traits by determining the SCARB1 genotype of said bovine, particularly as the presence or absence of the C or G allele at the C-321G promoter polymorphism in the SCARB1 gene is associated with variation in milk or tissue colour or b -carotene content. The methods include determining the SCARB1 allelic profile of the bovine, determining the genetic merit of the bovine and selecting or non-selecting it accordingly. Detection of the SCARB1 polymorphism may utilise linkage disequilibrium, expression or activity of the gene or gene product. A kit for genotyping a bovine, suitable primer sequences and the SCARB1 gene sequence are also provided.