Prospection and validation of SNPs in candidate genes for meat tenderness in reference families of Nellore breed

Abstract

The Brazilian cattle herd, second largest in the world, is mainly composed of Zebu breeds. Among the beef cattle, the Nellore breed has the greatest prominence due to its remarkable levels of productive and reproductive performance. Despite the high economic potential of beef cattle production, Brazilian competitiveness is based on low prices and product quality have not been prioritized. Beef production must meet the expectations of consumers with regard to quality (health, nutritional and organoleptic). Meat tenderness has an important impact on consumer satisfaction. Therefore, knowledge of variation of this trait and the search for genes or genome segments that influence it may help in the development of molecular and quantitative criteria for selection of beef cattle. Thus, this project aims the prospection and validation of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) located in positional and functional candidate genes for meat tenderness in reference families of Nellore breed. (AU)