Effects of genetic variants in the promoter region of the bovine adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene on marbling of Hanwoo beef cattle

•Genetic variations of the bovine ADIPOQ gene are associated with marbling in Hanwoo cattle•Associations between the SNP g.81966364D > I and MAR•The identified SNP can be used as a candidate marker for marker assisted selection•Additive and dominance effects of the SNP g.81966377 T > C for MAR, BFT, LEA, and CAW

This study aimed to verify genetic effects of the bovine adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene on carcass traits of Hanwoo cattle. The measured carcass traits were marbling score (MAR), backfat thickness (BFT), loineye area (LEA), and carcass weight (CAW). Selection of primers was based on the bovine ADIPOQ sequence, and the analysis amplified approximately 267 and 333 bp genomic segments, including 67 bp of insertions in the promoter region. Sequencing analysis confirmed genetic variants (g.81966235C > T, g.81966377 T > C, and g.81966364D > I) that showed significant effects on MAR. The present results suggest that the identified SNPs are useful genetic markers for the improvement of carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle.