Analysis of two pit-1 gene polymorphisms and relationships with growth performance traits in Podolica young bulls

Pit-1 is a pituitary-specific transcription factor responsible for pituitary development and hormone expression in mammals. In this study the Pit-1/HinfI and Pit-1/TaqI loci were investigated using PCR-RFLP approach in a sample of 308 Podolica young bulls. All the possible genotypes for both the SNPs were identified. The allelic frequencies at Pit-1/TaqI locus were 0.76 (G) and 0.24 (A) while those at Pit-1/HinfI locus were 0.70 (B) and 0.30 (A). Combined genotypic frequencies and possible haplotypes frequencies were also reported. Moreover the relationships between these SNPs and the growth traits of the Podolica bulls were studied. A positive effect of the Pit-1/HinfI B allele on growth traits were observed. Furthermore significant statistical results concerning the association between Pit-1/TaqI and early development (from birth to weaning) were found, with a superiority of the G allele. When in combination, the positive effects of the Pit-1/HinfI B and the Pit-1/TaqI G allele were partially confirmed.