DNA polymorphism of leptin gene in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle

Leptin plays an important role in the regulation of feed intake, energy metabolism, growth and reproduction of cattle. We used the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique to screen for DNA polymorphisms of the leptin gene in 403 cattle belonging to various breeds of Bos indicus (Hariana, Sahiwal, Gir and Nimari cattle), Bos taurus (Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey cattle) as well as Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbreds (½ HF x ½ Hariana). In all the cattle we amplified two regions of the leptin gene, a 522 bp fragment comprising the partial int...