PCR-RFLP analysis of lactoferrin (Intron-6) gene in Red Kandhari cattle

The present study aimed to investigate the association between bovine lactoferrin (LTF) intron-6 genotypes and milk traits in Red Kandhari cows. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 lactating cows in Sayala Khating village, Parbhani district, Maharashtra. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR amplification of a 301 bp intron 6 fragment, followed by EcoRI-based PCR-RFLP analysis. All animals were found monomorphic, with fixation of the ‘A’ allele and genotype frequency of AA = 1.00. The mean values (± SE) for milk composition were: fat 4.28±0.05%, solid-not-fat (SNF) 8.44±0.04%, protein 3.39±0.03%, and lactose 4.41±0.03%. Association studies could not be established due to the monomorphic pattern of LTF intron-6 region. The findings underscore the need for expanding sample sizes and incorporating advanced genomic approaches to better understand the genetic architecture underlying milk traits in indigenous cattle breeds like Red Kandhari.