Differential expression of uncoupling protein gene in feed efficient cattle

Abstract

Uncoupling proteins (UCP) are carrier proteins that release protons during respiration dissipitating energy in the form of heat. Expression of these genes plays an important role in feed efficiency through regulation of energy balance. Therefore present study was undertaken to study the differential expression of UCP2 and UCP3 gene in feed efficient cattle in comparison to low feed efficient animal. HFX Sahiwal male calves of same age group were selected randomly and divided in to two groups (feed efficient and less feed efficient) on the basis of residual feed intake (RFI) for the experiment. Differential expression analysis of UCP2 and UCP3 revealed significant upregulation of UCP2 gene in calves having less feed efficiency where as UCP3 gene was having non significant effect on residual feed intake.

Keywords

• Expression
• Feed efficiency
• Mitochondria
• Residual feed intake
• Uncoupling protein