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Effects of different variants of the FASN gene on production performance and milk fatty acid composition in Holstein × Simmental dairy cows

Crossbreeding of Holstein cattle with bulls of combined breeds has gained interest in the effort to improve their performance traits, and decrease their fertility and health problems. Therefore, the objective of the study was to compare the genetic effects of the FASN gene on milk production traits and fatty acid composition of Simmental and first generation Holstein x Simmental bull crossbreds. A total of 105 cows (72 Simmental and 33 crossbred Holstein) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method and their fatty acid profile analyzed. The crossbred Holstein cows with diplotype TW/AR had significantly higher fat content and yield compared to the purebred Simmental cows of the same diplotype. The Holstein x Simmental cows with the diplotype AR/AR were also characterized by significantly lower content of C16:0 and SFA, but higher C18:1n9, MUFA and MUFA/SFA content compared to the same diplotype of the Simmental cattle. These results indicate that with accurate breeding plans, crossbreeding Holstein cows with Simmental bulls could be directed towards a more desirable fatty acid composition of milk and dairy products.

milk production, fatty acid, FASN, crossbreeding

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