Polymorphism of the STAT5A, MTNR1A and TNFα genes and their effect on dairy production in Bubalus bubalis

The water buffalo is a fundamental resource, especially in developing countries, however, differently from other species, its genetic potential is still poorly investigated. In this work, we performed a candidate gene association study for milk composition in 491 female buffaloes. Animals were from four farms located in Southern Italy, where the Out-of-Breeding-Season-Mating technique is usually performed. We analysed three genes: (1) the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A), (2) the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and (3) the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A). We confirmed the mutation at the MTNR1A gene and we found five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): one in the TNFα and four in the STAT5A. No associations were found for the SNPs in the MTNR1A and TNFα genes, while we identified a marked association with milk protein % for a C > T substitution at the STAT5A gene. At this locus, the TT buffaloes showed significantly higher protein percentage in milk. Conversely, this genotype class was the less frequent in the population. Moreover, an A > G substitution at the STAT5A showed an influence on reproductive seasonality, with the advantageous allele most frequent in the population, suggesting a possible effect of selection for this trait. The C > T substitution on STAT5A detected in present study could be used in marker assisted selection of Mediterranean Italian buffalo, and should be monitored to understand the reasons behind the low frequency of the favourable genotype at this locus and to stop this unfavourable trend in the population.