Abstract

Double muscling is a trait associated with mutations in the MSTN (GDF8) gene, which encodes myostatin, a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) supercytokine family. Myostatin plays a crucial role in regulating muscle growth by maintaining satellite cells in a quiescent state and influencing cell development, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Mutations in the GDF8 gene have been shown to be advantageous, as they confer important traits for beef cattle production, leading to strong selection for their use in breeding programs. The muscle hypertrophy- associated mutation is located in the MSTN (GDF8) gene. In certain double-muscled cattle breeds, different mutations result in the loss of myostatin function. A literature review was conducted on GDF8 gene mutations in various double-muscled cattle breeds, and the frequency of polymorphisms was investigated. Among the most frequently identified mutations were Indel c.818 and MSTN-F94L. Studies have evaluated the growth and reproductive traits of beef heifers to determine the impact of myostatin polymorphisms on reproductive performance, revealing that the MSTN Leu allele influences birth weight. Myostatin polymorphisms can be utilized to enhance carcass traits without compromising fertility in beef heifers. However, the overall effect of this genetic marker on herd performance remains uncertain. Therefore, before the beef industry adopts the MSTN- F94L marker for cattle selection, it is essential to fully understand its association with reproductive performance in cattle herds. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the MSTN-F94L polymorphism.

Keywords

double musculature, myostatin gene, SNP, genetical enhancement, beef cattle