Application of a microarray technology to SNP detection within genes involved

Milk proteins stili cause much interest because of the proven effects of the most common milk genetic polymorphisms on quantitative and qualitative milk production, as well as on milk technological properties. Hence, polymorphisms both at the coding and non-coding regions have to be considered in order to assess which ones are responsible for the variations in milk traits and could be included in breeding programs. The microarray technology provides for an accurate, inexpensive and high-throughput assay highly suitable for the animaI genotyping. Here we describe an application of this technology to the detection of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) at bovine genes involved in milk production in Brown Swiss cattle. Target sequences include CSNlSl, CSN2, CSN3, LGB, DGATI and SCD genes. A total of 24 polymorphic sites were included in the diagnostic microarray. To reconstruct the correct genotype the combination of the results at different SNP positions must be carefully analysed.