Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
M Saran, A Gurao, J Jaipal and K Jaidiya

Abstract:
Indigenous cattle breeds play a pivotal role in sustaining local economies, preserving genetic diversity, and adapting to specific environments. Among the various candidate genes associated with cattle health and production traits, the lactoferrin gene (LTF) stands out as an essential player, influencing mastitis resistance, immune response modulation, and milk quality. Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the mammary glands, poses a significant challenge to the dairy industry, with individual animals showing varying susceptibility levels. To predict disease susceptibility, researchers establish various genetic markers, including SNP markers. Notably, lactoferrin, a milk protein, exhibits high genetic variability and possesses the ability to inhibit bacterial growth by chelating iron, making it a potentially valuable marker. Through genotyping studies, researchers have identified the existence of two allelic variants, A snd B, within the bovine lactoferrin gene, giving rise to three distinct genotype AA, BB, and AB. In this present article, the relationship between these genotypes and the incidences of clinical mastitis is explored among Bosindicus (Tharparkar) and cross-bred (Bosindicus × Bostaurus) cattle breeds. Understanding these associations holds promise for devising more effective mastitis management strategies tailored to these specific cattle populations.