Abstract Genomic selection has transformed the livestock industry, enabling early-life selection of animals. Biopsy sampling of pre-implantation embryos has been described since 1968. However, it was only after 2010, with the advancement of molecular biology techniques such as whole genomic amplification and SNP Chips, that next-generation sequencing became commercially available for bovine embryos. It is now possible to make decisions about which embryos to transfer not only based on recipients’ availability or embryo morphology but also on genomic estimates. This technology can be implemented for a wide spectrum of applications in livestock. In this review, we discuss the use of embryo biopsy for genomic selection and share our experience with Gir and Girolando Brazilian breeding programs, as well as future goals for implementing it in Brazilian bovine in vitro embryo production practices.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the breed, heterosis, and recombination effects on different components of the lactation curve of Girolando cattle. The dataset used consisted of 12,121 purebred cows of Holstein (H) and Gyr (G) breeds, and six H×G crossbred cows (Girolando). The model used presents random effects of herd and cow, regression coefficient associated with linear effect of proportion of H breed, regression coefficient associated with the linear effect of heterosis between H and G breeds, regression coefficient associated with the linear effect of recombination between H and G breeds, and random effect of residual. Dijkstra's (DJ), Nelder's (ND), Wilmink's (WL), and Wood's (WD) models were tested to fit production records of these different genetic groups. These models were then tested according to evaluation criteria of quality of fit (AIC, BIC, and RMSE), and the two best models (WD and WL) were chosen for estimation of 305-day milk yield (MY305), peak yield, time to peak, and persistency of milk yield. The breed effect was significant for all traits and components of the lactation curve. The heterosis effect was significant for all traits, and was more significant for MY305 (945.62±79.17 kg). Peak yield was the component of lactation curve that presented the most significant heterosis effect, partially explaining the heterosis effect (12 to 21%) found for MY305. The recombination effect was positive only for lactation period and time to peak of lactation in Girolando cows.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o modelo de regressão aleatória com polinômios lineares do tipo spline (MRAPLS) é adequado para estimar os parâmetros genéticos de características produtivas e reprodutivas em uma população multirracial de bovinos leiteiros, bem como investigar o efeito do grupo genético da progênie sobre o mérito genético do touro. Foram utilizados o modelo multicaracterístico (Mult) e o MRAPLS com nós ajustados aos grupos genéticos, para obtenção dos parâmetros genéticos. Foram considerados os registros de vacas 1/2 Holandesa + 1/2 Gir (1/2HG), 5/8 Holandesa + 3/8 Gir (5/8HG) e 3/4 Holandesa + 1/4 Gir (3/4HG). O MRAPLS apresentou os melhores ajustes. As variâncias aditivas e residuais estimadas por Mult e MRAPLS foram semelhantes. As herdabilidades variaram de 0,20 a 0,33 para idade ao primeiro parto, de 0,09 a 0,22 para duração da primeira lactação e de 0,15 a 0,35 para produção de leite em até 305 dias na primeira lactação, de acordo com a composição genética das vacas. O MRAPLS é adequado para estimar parâmetros genéticos de características produtivas e reprodutivas em populações multirraciais de bovinos leiteiros. O mérito genético do touro é influenciado pelo grupo genético da progênie por meio do qual ele é avaliado.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine whether the random regression model using linear splines (RRMLS) is suitable to estimate the genetic parameters for productive and reproductive traits of a multiple-breed dairy cattle population, as well as to investigate the effect of the genetic group of the progeny on the genetic merit of the sire. The multiple-trait model (MTM) and the RRMLS with one knot fitted for every genetic group were used to obtain the genetic parameters. Records of 1/2 Holstein + 1/2 Gyr (1/2HG), 5/8 Holstein + 3/8 Gyr (5/8HG), and 3/4 Holstein + 1/4 Gyr (3/4HG) crossbreed dams were considered. The RRMLS showed better fitting. The additive and residual variances estimated by the MTM and the RRMLS were similar. Heritability varied from 0.20 to 0.33 for age at first calving, from 0.09 to 0.22 for first lactation length, and from 0.15 to 0.35 for first lactation 305-day milk yield, according to the genetic composition of the dams. The RRMLS is suitable to estimate the genetic parameters for productive and reproductive traits of multiple-breed dairy cattle populations. The genetic merit of the sires is affected by the genetic group of the progeny by which they are evaluated.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether infrared thermography is a useful tool for the recognition of dairy cows in a state of thermal heat stress, as well as to identify the best region of the animal to be evaluated for this recognition. Physiological variables, including rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, cardiac frequency, and panting score were recorded in 38 lactating cows. For the assessment of environmental parameters, a digital black globe thermometer (TGD-200 model) was used. Thermographic photographs of different regions of the body of cows were taken using an infrared camera (FLIR® System T300) and indicated respective superficial temperature. Physiological variables and superficial body temperature in different regions varied between genetic groups (Girolando: ½ Holstein × ½ Gir and ¾ Holstein × ¼ Gir; purebred Holstein). The environmental temperature ranged from 20.7 to 37.9 °C with a relative humidity reaching 95%. The mean rectal temperature (40.84 °C), respiratory frequency (111.36 breaths/min), and cardiac frequency (99.22 beats/min) were higher for pure Holstein than for Girolando cows. Positive correlations were found between the physiological parameters and thermographic measures. The highest positive correlation (0.74) was found between the temperature in the lateral region of the udder and rectal temperature. Thermography is a good indicator of thermal comfort. The best region to identify heat stress in cows using thermography is the lateral region of the udder.

ABSTRACT: Genome association analyses have been successful in identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pig body weights measured at a single age. However, when considering the whole weight trajectories over time in the context of genome association analyses, it is important to look at the markers that affect growth curve parameters. The easiest way to consider them is via the two-step method, in which the growth curve parameters and marker effects are estimated separately, thereby resulting in a reduction of the statistical power and the precision of estimates. One efficient solution is to adopt nonlinear mixed models (NMM), which enables a joint modeling of the individual growth curves and marker effects. Our aim was to propose a genome association analysis for growth curves in pigs based on NMM as well as to compare it with the traditional two-step method. In addition, we also aimed to identify the nearest candidate genes related to significant SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers. The NMM presented a higher number of significant SNPs for adult weight (A) and maturity rate (K), and provided a direct way to test SNP significance simultaneously for both the A and K parameters. Furthermore, all significant SNPs from the two-step method were also reported in the NMM analysis. The ontology of the three candidate genes (SH3BGRL2, MAPK14, and MYL9) derived from significant SNPs (simultaneously affecting A and K) allows us to make inferences with regards to their contribution to the pig growth process in the population studied.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate changes in physiological parameters of dairy cows and understand which physiological parameters show greater reliability for verification of heat stress. Blood samples were collected for analysis and included hematocrit (Ht), erythrocyte count (ERY), and hemoglobin count (HEMO). In addition, physiological variables, including rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and panting score (PS) were recorded in 38 lactating cows. These varied according to genetic group (1/2, 3/4, and pure bred Holstein (HO)). Analysis of variance considering the effects of genetic group, days, and their interaction as well as linear and quadratic effect of the black globe humidity index (BGHI) was performed, as well as broken-line regression. These values were higher in pure HO than in 3/4 and 1/2 groups. The average BGHI during the morning was 74, when 70, 43, and 13% of pure HO, 3/4, and 1/2, respectively, presented RR above reference value. The RR was the best indicator of heat stress and its critical value was 116 breaths/min for 1/2, 140 for 3/4, and 168 breaths/min for pure HO cows. In the HO group, physiological variables increased linearly with BGHI, without presenting inflection in the regression. The inflection point occurred at a higher BGHI for the 1/2 group compared with the other groups. Hematocrit and HEMO were different among genetic groups and did not vary with BGHI, showing that stress was not sufficient to alter these hematological parameters. The 1/2 HO group was capable of maintaining normal physiological parameters for at least 3 BGHI units above that of HO and 1 to 3 units higher than 3/4 HO for RR and RT, respectively. Respiratory rate is the physiological parameter that best predicts heat stress in dairy cattle, and the 1/2 Holstein group is the best adapted to heat stress.

ABSTRACT Genomic selection has been a valuable tool for increasing the rate of genetic improvement in purebred dairy cattle populations. However, there also are many large populations of crossbred dairy cattle in the world, and multi-breed genomic evaluations may be a valuable tool for improving rates of genetic gain in those populations. Multi-breed models are an extension of single-breed genomic models in which a genomic relationship matrix is used to account for the breed origin of alleles in the population, as well as allele frequency differences between breeds. Most studies have found little benefit from multi-breed evaluations for pure breeds that have large reference populations. However, breeds with small reference populations may benefit from inclusion in a multi-breed evaluation without adversely affecting evaluations for purebred performance. Most research has been conducted in taurine breeds, so additional research is needed to determine the value of multi-breed reference populations for composite and synthetic breeds that include both indicine and taurine cattle adapted to tropical climates.

O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura genética da população de bovinos da raça Girolando no Brasil. Analisou-se o arquivo de pedigree de 26.969 animais, composto de 3.031 machos e 23.938 fêmeas. O nível de conteúdo de informação do pedigree na geração atual foi 61%, mostrando ser de qualidade moderada. O coeficiente de endogamia médio e o coeficiente de relação médio da população Girolando foram 0,11 e 0,13%, respectivamente. O tamanho efetivo da população, considerando a geração completa traçada, foi 188, acima do nível crítico. Do total de 9.457 ancestrais que contribuíram para a população de referência, 457 explicaram 50% da variabilidade genética da população. O número efetivo de fundadores foi 551 e o de ancestrais 393. O intervalo médio de geração foi de 5,26 anos, sendo ligeiramente maior nas trilhas gaméticas mãe-filho e pai-filha. A partir dos coeficientes estimados, pode-se concluir que a endogamia nos rebanhos da raça Girolando foi de pequena magnitude e que as práticas de acasalamento foram adequadas durante o período avaliado. No entanto, é importante continuar com o monitoramento desses coeficientes a fim de prevenir perda de variabilidade genética

The aim of this study was to evaluate the population structure of Girolando cattle in Brazil. The pedigree file contained 26,969 individuals, from which 3,031 were males and 23,938 were females. The average level of completeness of the pedigree in the current generation was of reasonable quality (61%). Inbreeding and average relatedness coefficients were low: 0.11 and 0.13%, respectively. Estimates of effective population size considering the full generations traced was 188, which is above the critical level range. The number of ancestors that contributed to the reference population was 9,457 animals, from which 457 explained 50% of the genetic variability of the population. The effective number of founders and the effective number of ancestors in this population were, respectively, 551 and 393. The average generation interval was 5.26 years, slightly higher in genetic pathways dam-son and sire-daughter. The inbreeding in the Girolando breed was of small magnitude, indicating that the current practices of mating were adequate during the study period. However, it is important to continue monitoring these coefficients in order to prevent loss of genetic variability

The identification of regions that have undergone selection is one of the principal goals of theoretical and applied evolutionary genetics. Such studies can also provide information about the evolutionary processes involved in shaping genomes, as well as physical and functional information about genes/genomic regions. Domestication followed by breed formation and selection schemes has allowed the formation of very diverse livestock breeds adapted to a wide variety of environments and with special characteristics. The advances in genomics in the last five years have enabled the development of several methods to detect selection signatures and have resulted in the publication of a considerable number of studies involving livestock species. The aims of this review are to describe the principal effects of natural/artificial selection on livestock genomes, to present the main methods used to detect selection signatures and to discuss some recent results in this area. This review should be useful also to research scientists working with wild animals/non-domesticated species and plant biologists working with breeding and evolutionary biology.

Objetivou-se obter os índices de diversidade genética para o SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) do íntron 4 do gene da osteopontina (OPN) para 434 animais (87 touros e 347 vacas) participantes do Teste de Progênie da raça girolando no Brasil. Para a amplificação, foram utilizados primers descritos para a raça holandesa, e a diferenciação dos alelos C/T desse SNP foi obtida por meio da técnica de PCR-RFLP. As frequências genotípicas TT (52,53%), CT (38,71%) e CC (8,76%) e as frequências alélicas de T (71,9%) e C (28,1%) indicam que a população encontra-se em Equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg (EHW). Apesar de o loco do gene OPN estar em EHW, a frequência superior do alelo T do SNP nesses animais pode sugerir uma tendência de fixação do alelo T na raça. Não foi observada diferenciação entre o grupo de touros e vacas (F ST = -0,018), corroborando a estimativa de equilíbrio da população. Considerando os valores estimados pelo F IS (0,043), é possível que ocorram altos números de indivíduos homozigotos para o alelo T observados na população, em virtude da provável herança desse alelo vindo da raça zebuína, e não a endogamia. Assim, para melhor caracterização do polimorfismo do gene OPN, devem ser realizadas avaliações em maior número de animais, uma vez que só foram avaliados animais participantes do teste de progênie.

The objective was to obtain the indices of genetic diversity for the SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) of the 4 intron osteopontin gene (OPN) for 434 animals (87 bulls and 347 cows) participants in the Teste de Progênie da raça girolando (Girolando Progeny Test) in Brazil. For amplification, primers used were described for the Holstein breed, and differentiation of alleles C/T SNP that was obtained by PCR-RFLP. Genotype frequencies of TT (52.53%), CT (38.71%) and CC (8.76%) and allele frequencies of T (71.9%) and C (28.1%) indicate that the population is in Hardy-Weinberg principle (HWP). Although the OPN gene locus is in HWP, the higher frequency of allele T of SNP in these animals may suggest a setting-trend of allele T in the race. No difference was observed between the group of bulls and cows (F ST = -0.018), supporting the estimate of population balance. Considering the values estimated by the F IS (0.043), it is likely that high numbers of individuals homozygous for the T allele observed in the population occur because of possible inheritance of this allele coming from the zebu breed, rather than inbreeding. Thus, to better characterize the OPN gene polymorphism, assessments in a larger number of animals must be performed, since only animals that participated in the Progeny Test were assessed.

Avaliou-se a relação entre os testes complementares (teste hiposmótico, teste de termorresistência lento e teste de reação acrossômica) e os testes de avaliações convencionais (aspectos físicos e morfológicos) de sêmen bovino congelado/descongelado e os índices de prenhez. Os valores médios da motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea avaliados pelo teste de termorresistência foram de 53,48 (pós-descongelamento), 43,69 (60 minutos), 35,88 (120 minutos) e 33,04% (180 minutos) e a porcentagem de células reativas ao teste hiposmótico foi de 37,89%. Correlação positiva e de média intensidade foi encontrada para a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e o teste hiposmótico (0,21). Entretanto, a correlação da motilidade aos 180 minutos com o teste hiposmótico foi alta (0,64). A porcentagem de células que tiveram acrossoma reagido pós-descongelamento foi de 9,85%, apresentando correlações negativas de média e alta intensidade (-0,25 e -0,46, respectivamente) com a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e após 3 horas de incubação. Não houve correlação dos testes complementares e da motilidade pós-descongelamento com a taxa de gestação. Nenhum parâmetro considerado isoladamente serviu para avaliar a capacidade fertilizante do sêmen congelado/descongelado.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between complementary (hiposmotic, thermo-resistance and acrosome reaction tests) and conventional evaluations (physical and morphologic aspects) of bovine frozen/thawed semen and conception rates. Average values for spermatic motility evaluated by thermo-resistance test were of 53.48% (post-thawed), 43.69% (60 minutes), 35.88% (120 minutes) and 33.04% (180 minutes). The percentage of reactive cells observed for the hiposmotic test was 37.89%. Average intensity was observed for post-thawing spermatic motility, positively correlated to hiposmotic test (0.21). However, correlation between motility in the 180 minutes and hiposmotic test was high (0.64). The percentage of cells presenting post-thawing acrosome reaction was 9.85%, which was negative correlated to post-thawing (-0.25) and after three hours of incubation (-0.46) spermatic motility. No correlation was observed for complementary tests and post-thawed motility and the conception rate. No one of the parameters evaluated in this study was individually able to indicate the fertilizing capacity of the frozen/thawed semen.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação dos polimorfismos dos genes bGH, IGF-1 e PIT-1 com características de peso e ganho de peso numa população F2 de bovinos (Gir x Holandês), pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. As freqüências alélicas A e B, do gene PIT-1, e dos genótipos AA, AB e BB, nas populações parentais foram semelhantes entre si, mas diferentes das freqüências nas populações cruzadas F1 e F2, para esse gene. Quanto ao gene bGH, os animais da raça Holandesa apresentaram freqüência de 100% para o alelo E e os animais da raça Gir, 92% para o alelo F, resultando em alta freqüência de indivíduos heterozigotos nas populações F1 e F2. Quanto ao gene IGF-1, todos os animais da raça Holandesa eram heterozigotos (AB) e, nos animais Gir, a maioria dos indivíduos foi de homozigotos (AA), o que resultou em alta freqüência do alelo A nas populações F1 e F2. Foram encontradas associações significativas do alelo A do gene PIT-1 com as características de peso aos 60, 205, 365 dias e ganho de peso do nascimento aos 60 dias. Em bGH, observou-se efeito significativo do alelo E para peso aos 365 dias e ganho de peso do nascimento aos 60 dias, enquanto o efeito do alelo A do IGF-1 foi significativo somente para peso ao nascimento. Os alelos identificados podem ser usados como marcadores no melhoramento animal.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of bGH, IGF-1 and PIT-1 genes with weight and weight gain traits in a bovine F2 population derived from Holstein x Gyr crosses, using the PCR-RFLP technique. Allelic frequencies A and B of PIT-1 gene and AA, AB, and BB genotypes were similar between parental populations but different from F1 and F2 crossed populations. For the bGH gene, Holstein animals showed allelic frequency of 100% for E allele, while Gyr animals showed allelic frequency of 92% for F allele, resulting in high frequency of heterozygous animals in F1 and F2 populations. For the IGF-1 gene, all Holstein were heterozygous (AB) and most Gyr were homozygous (AA), resulting in a high frequency of A allele in F1 and F2 populations. Significant associations were found between PIT-1 allele A with traits weight at 60, 205 and 365 days and weight gain from birth to 60 days. For IGF-1, significant association was found between A allele and birth weight. For bGH gene, significant associations were found between E allele and 365 days weight and weight gain from birth to 60 days. The selected alleles could be used as markers in animal breeding for these traits.

Foram estudados os registros da idade ao primeiro parto (IPP), intervalo de partos (IDP) e período de serviço (PSERV) provenientes das cinco primeiras lactações de 1.406 vacas do ecótipo Mantiqueira, filhas de 113 reprodutores, com partos entre os anos de 1977 e 1997, do Arquivo de Escrituração Zootécnica do Pólo Regional do Vale do Paraíba da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios da Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo (NPZGJRA/IZ/APTA/SAA-SP), no município de Pindamonhangaba. Os modelos usados para obtenção das médias dos quadrados mínimos incluíram, além dos efeitos aleatórios de reprodutor e do erro, os efeitos fixos de ano e estação de nascimento (IPP) ou ano e estação de parto (IDP e PSERV) e idade ao parto. Para a obtenção dos parâmetros genéticos pela metodologia REML, em análises de uni e bicaracterísticas, foram utilizados modelos que ajustavam os efeitos fixos de ano-estação e idade da vaca ao parto, além dos efeitos aleatórios de animal e do erro. As médias ajustadas ± erros-padrão foram: 45,60 ± 8,14 meses para a IPP; 460,56 ± 122,05 dias para o IDP; e 181,44 ± 110,31 dias para o PSERV. As herdabilidades foram: 0,13; 0,01; e 0,01, respectivamente, para IPP, IDP e PSERV.

The reproductive performance of Mantiqueira cows were analyzed using data of records of age of first calving (IPP), calving interval (IDP) and days open (PSERV). These data were the first five lactations of 1406 cows of Mantiqueira ecotype consisting of daughters of 113 sires, with calving from 1952 to 1997, from the Paraiba Valley Regional Center of Research in São Paulo State (APTA/SAA-SP) breeding program. Models to obtain least square means included fixed effects for year and season of birth (for IPP) or calving (for IDP and PSERV) and age, in addition to the random effect of sire and error. The models to obtain genetic parameters by REML methodology included fixed effects for year-season and age, in addition to the random effects of animal and error. The least square means ± standard error were 45.60 ± 8.14 months to the IPP, 460.56 ± 122.05 days to the IDP and 181.44 ± 110.31 days to the PSERV. Estimated values of heritabilities were: 0.13 (IPP), 0.01 (IDP), and 0.01 (PSERV).

Por meio de análises uni e bicaracterísticas entre a produção total de leite (PL), produção de gordura (PROG), porcentagem de gordura (PERG), duração da lactação (DL) e período seco (PSECO), objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estimar parâmetros genéticos utilizando-se registros provenientes das cinco primeiras lactações de 1.406 vacas do ecótipo Mantiqueira, filhas de 113 reprodutores, com partos entre os anos de 1977 e 1997, pertencentes ao programa de melhoramento do Pólo Regional do Vale do Paraíba da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios da Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo (APTA/SAA-SP), no município de Pindamonhangaba. Os modelos usados para obtenção das médias dos quadrados mínimos incluíram os efeitos fixos de ano e estação de parto e idade ao parto, além dos efeitos aleatórios de reprodutor e do erro. Para a obtenção dos parâmetros genéticos pela metodologia REML foram utilizados os modelos que ajustavam os efeitos fixos de ano-estação e idade da vaca ao parto, além dos efeitos aleatórios de animal e do erro. As médias ajustadas ± erros-padrão foram: 1863,31 ± 1047,19 kg para a PL; 76,59 ± 31,92 kg para a PROG; 3,43 ± 0,64 % para PERG; 231,72 ± 91,30 dias para DL; e 256,40 ± 180,29 dias para o PSECO. As herdabilidades foram: 0,25; 0,09; 0,00; 0,16 e 0,06, respectivamente, para PL, PROG, PERG, DL e PSECO. As correlações genéticas entre PL e PROG ou PERG foram, respectivamente, de 0,36 e -0,02. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se inferir que há variação genética aditiva entre vacas para produção de leite.

Mantiqueira ecotype breed cows were analyzed to estimate genetic parameters for productive traits using single and multiple traits analysis of total milk production (PL), fat production (PROG), fat percentage (PERG), lactation length (DL) and days dry (PSECO). Records of the first five lactations of 1,406 cows from 113 sires with calving between 1977 and 1997 from the Paraiba Valley Regional Center of Research from São Paulo State (APTA/SAA-SP) breeding program were used. Models to obtain least square means included fixed effects for year and season of calving and age of calving, in addition to random effect of sire and error. The models to obtain the genetic parameters by REML methodology included fixed effects for year-season and age, in addition to random effects of animal and error. Least square means ± standard error were 1863,31 ± 1047,19 kg (PL); 76,59 ± 31,92 kg (PROG); 3,43 ± 0,64 % (PERG); 231,72 ± 91,30 days (DL); and 256,40 ± 180,29 days (PSECO). Estimated values of heritabilities were: 0.25 (PL); 0.09 (PROG); 0.00 (PERG); 0.16 (DL) and 0.06 (PSECO). Genetic correlations of PL with PROG and PERG were 0.36 and 0.02, respectively. These results suggest an additive genetic variation among cows to milk yield.

We studied the phenotypic effects of polymorphisms at the MYF5 gene in a divergent F2 swine population and found that one polymorphism was due to an insertion and another to a deletion. The genotypes of 359 F2 animals were obtained and the Normal/Normal (NN) and Normal/Insertion (NI) genotypes analyzed to determine associations with phenotypic data for performance, carcass and meat quality traits. Significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) between NN and NI animals for drip (NN = 3.14 ± 1.56; NI = 3.69 ± 2.78%), cooking (NN = 32.26 ± 2.41; NI = 33.21 ± 2.31%) and total loss (NN = 34.16 ± 2.63 and NI = 34.97 ± 2.08%). The Deletion marker was not statistically tested. The results indicate that the allelic variant Insertion is associated with a deleterious effect on meat quality traits and should be monitored in marker assisted selection programs.