The solute carrier family 11 member A1 (SLC11A1) gene is associated with resistance to infectious diseases. Genetic variability at the 3’ untranslated region (3’-UTR) of this gene is due to the presence of a polymorphic microsatellites that contain a (GT) n dinucleotide repeat. The microsatellite variability and relationships with milk yield and composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total microbic count (TMC) were investigated in 260 goats of Sarda breed. Genotyping of the upstream guanine-thymine repeat (GT)n revealed twenty different genotypes and eight alleles (GT11, GT12, GT14, GT15, GT16, GT17, GT18 and GT19). The present study confirmed the high genetic variability of the Sarda goat and that the genotype of the microsatellite at 3’-UTR SLC11A1 affected many chemical and hygienic characteristics of milk as fat, protein and SCC.

goat; milk; SLC11A1; hygiene

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia