The SNP of WBP1 is associated with heifer reproductive performance in the Korean native cattle Hanwoo

It is well documented that intensive selection in dairy cattle for economic value such as increased milk yield led to a decline in reproductive performance. Recent studies using genome-wide association studies (GWASs) discovered candidate genes involved in the lower fertility including embryo development and conception rates. However, the information, which showed a lower reproductive performance, is limited to dairy cattle, especially Holstein, and the candidate genes were not examined in the Korean native cattle Hanwoo which has been intensively selected and bred for meat in the last few decades. We selected the candidate genes WBP1 and PARM1 reported to be associated with cow and/or heifer conception in dairy cattle and analyzed the genotype because those genes have nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To determine the single base change, we used the high resolution melting (HRM) assay which is rapid and cost-effective for a small number of genes. We found that most heifers with higher conception (1: service per conception) have the AA genotype coding Threonine rather than Proline in the WBP1 gene. We did not detect an association for a SNP in PARM1 in our analysis. In conclusion, the genetic variation of WBP1 can be used as a selective marker gene to improve reproductive performance, and HRM assay can be used to identify common SNP genotypes rapidly and cost effectively.