| abstract |
The present invention provides methods of genotyping bovine for desired milk production phenotypes, such as milk colour or milk b -carotene content phenotypes, by determining the b -carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (BCMO1) genotype of said bovine. In particular, the methods are directed to determining the genotype at one or more of the C-1054T promoter polymorphism in the BCMO1 gene, the G15929A (G278R) polymorphism in the BCMO1 gene, or the A18068G (N341D) polymorphism in the BCMO1 gene, wherein each is associated with variation in milk colour or milk b -carotene content. Isolated, purified or recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided, as are milk and milk products from bovine selected by the methods described herein. |