The association of <i>RNF34</i> and <i>RNF128</i> with carcass and meat quality traits of Chinese Simmental-cross steers

Abstract. In Chinese Simmental-cross steers, carcass and meat quality traits are investigated by identifying SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the RNF34 and RNF128 genes. Statistical analysis showed that for 3′ UTR-588 G&gt;A, a SNP of RNF34 was significantly associated with kidney weight, testis weight, and tare weight (P&lt;0.05), and for I1-2380C&gt;T, a SNP of RNF128 was significantly related to forepaw weight, dressed weight, carcass brisket depth, carcass depth, and hind leg length (P&lt;0.05). This study highlights the importance of polymorphism, suggesting that RNF34 and RNF128 polymorphisms could be important genetic factors that affect carcass and meat quality in beef cattle. Therefore, in beef cattle production and breeding, these SNPs might be valuable marker in future marker-assisted selection programs to determine meat quality traits. However, validation in a larger sample size of the Simmental-cross steers is necessary to verify these findings across a broader population. Background: This research aims to explore the potential influence of really interesting new gene (RING) finger protein (RNF34) 3′ UTR-588G&gt;A and RING finger protein (RNF128) I1-2380C&gt;T polymorphisms associated with carcass and meat quality traits in Chinese Simmental-cross steers. Methods: Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing is employed to detect genotypes of RNF34 3′ UTR-588 G&gt;A and RNF128 I1-2380C&gt;T in Chinese Simmental-cross steers. Then, the association of novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3′ UTR region of RNF34 and the intron regions of the RNF128 gene is analyzed to determine the meat quality traits of the animals. Results: This study revealed a significant association between RNF34 3′ UTR-588 G&gt;A and kidney weight, testis weight, and tare weight (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the RNF128 I1-2380C&gt;T variant exhibited a significant link to multiple carcass measurements, indicating its potential association with forepaw weight, dressed weight, carcass depth, hind leg length, and carcass brisket depth (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of genetic factors that link the variations in RNF34 and RNF128 and their influence on carcass and meat quality in beef cattle. Thus, these variants might be novel valuable markers for meat quality traits in future marker-assisted selection programs in beef cattle breeding and production.