Leptin gene and its role in cattle - A review

Interest in the bovine leptin gene has increased during the last few years. Leptin, a 16-kDa protein secreted from white adipocytes which is involved in regulation of feed intake, milk yield, energy balance, fertility, and immune functions in animals. The gene encoding leptinwas identified by positional cloning and is the mutation leading to theprofound obese phenotype of the ob/ob mouse. Exogenous administration of leptin in ob/ob mice leads to a significant improvement in reproductive andendocrine status as well as reduced food intake and weight loss. The frequency of polymorphism in leptin gene has been found to be very high in beef and dairy cattle. Some association studies have been carried out in beef, dairy and fertility traits of cattle like energy balance, feed intake, live weight, fat deposition, milk yield and protein yield. These associations will provide insight in to the underlying mechanism of leptin and polymorphism can be used for selection of beef and dairy cows.