Characterization of muscle and tenderness markers in meat from two local breeds in Panama

Abstract The objective of this work was to characterize allelic variants related to musculature and meat quality of local Panamanian cattle breeds, using the Affymetrix axiom orcun SNP array. Cattle breeds used were Guaymi and Criollo Guabala. Blood samples of 5 mL were taken from 34 animals, out of which 15 were Guaymi and 19 were Guabala. From 10,000 SNP markers on an Affymetrix axiom orcun SNP array, DNA was evaluated in the search for polymorphisms of 17 SNP markers related to meat tenderness. The Guaymi breed showed a higher percentage of genetic variation and polymorphic loci than the Criollo Guabala breed. Some of the major variations were noticed in few genes of myostatin, calpastatin, and calpain. For the studied livestock breeds, the results found were of great importance for conservation and genetic improvement. Guaymi breed shows a greater genetic diversity than Guabala breed. Six genes show allelic variants related to meat quality and adaptability.