Polymorphisms of PAD14 Gene in White Fulani and Red Bororo Cattle: Association with Milk Yield and Mastitis Resistance Traits in Nigerian Indigenous Breeds
1 Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Nigeria.
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Nigeria.
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 10(02), 102-107.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.10.2.0036
Publication history:
Received on 05 April 2026; revised on 15 May 2026; accepted on 18 May 2026
Abstract:
Genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds through molecular characterization of functional genes has become increasingly important in sustainable livestock production. This study investigated the polymorphisms of the Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 14 (PAD14) gene in White Fulani and Red Bororo cattle and evaluated their association with milk yield and mastitis resistance traits. A total of 120 lactating cows comprising 60 White Fulani and 60 Red Bororo cattle were sampled from herds in Northern Nigeria. Blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was used to identify genetic variants of the PAD14 gene. Three genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) were detected in both breeds. Genotype frequencies in White Fulani cattle were 0.45, 0.40, and 0.15 for AA, AB, and BB respectively, while Red Bororo cattle exhibited frequencies of 0.38, 0.47, and 0.15 respectively. The A allele was more frequent in both breeds. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed between PAD14 genotypes and milk yield, somatic cell count, and mastitis incidence. Cows possessing the AA genotype produced higher milk yield and exhibited lower somatic cell counts compared to BB genotype carriers. The findings suggest that PAD14 gene polymorphism could serve as a useful genetic marker for improving udder health and dairy productivity in indigenous Nigerian cattle breeds.
Keywords:
PAD14 gene; Polymorphism; White Fulani cattle; Red Bororo cattle; Mastitis resistance; Milk yield; PCR-RFLP; Somatic cell count
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