Polymorphism of bovine Y-STR UMN0929 and its correlation with carcass traits in five Chinese beef cattle populations

The correlations between Y chromosome polymorphisms and the carcass traits were studied in five Chinese beef cattle populations by PCR, single strand conformation polymorphism and Y-STR sequence analysis. Nine alleles and their frequencies were identified on Y-STR UMN0929 region in Qinchuan (n = 116), Luxi (n = 112), Jinnan (n = 104) pure breeds, Simmental × Qinchuan crossbred (n = 80) and Angus × Qinchuan crossbred (n = 96). The most popular A-176 and B-178 alleles were presented in all 5 cattle populations in the range of 12% (Jinnan) to 66% (Simmental × Qinchuan). The allele I-194 presented Luxi and Angus × Qinchuan. In Qinchun cattle, G-190 and E-186 alleles had bigger effect on BPI (4.23 ± 0.32 and 4.22 ± 0.48 kg/cm, P < 0.01) and CW (325.40 ± 49.42 and 316.73 ± 45.29 kg, P < 0.01), respectively. In Luxi cattle, I-194 allele affected higher BPI (4.08 ± 0.35 kg/cm, P < 0.01) and CW (302.07 ± 17.55 kg, P < 0.01), respectively. In Jinnan cattle breed, H-192 had higher BPI (4.32 ± 0.50 kg/cm, P < 0.05) and CW (327.87 ± 59.37 kg, P < 0.05), respectively. In Simmental × Qinchuan cross breed, C-180 allele affected largely on BPI (5.16 ± 0.25 kg/cm, P < 0.05) and CW (393.16 ± 25.92 kg, P < 0.05). In Angus × Qinchuan cross breed, I-194 had higher BPI (4.43 ± 0.33 kg, P < 0.05) and CW (346.63 ± 29.77 kg, P < 0.05). Correlations between alleles and other carcass traits (net meat weight, top grade weight, slaughter rate, net meat rate, loin-eye muscle area, carcass length, meet tenderness and shear force) were also analyzed using mixed-effect model. Cattle Y-STR UMN0929 loci alleles and its correlation with carcass traits in beef cattle populations could be implemented into the cattle breeding program for choosing beef cattle with better carcass traits.