This study was designed to find out possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PPARGC1A gene and milk production traits. In the current study, one SNP at g.85330C>T position was identified in 9^th intron of PPARGC1A gene through pooled DNA sequencing. The identified SNP was genotyped using MALDI-TOF MS technique in 752 individuals from the Chinese Holstein cattle breed. The frequency of C allele at position g.85330C>T was more frequent in our population (0.69), followed by the T allele (0.31). From the association results, significant differences were found between PPARGC1A genotypes in the protein concentration and protein yield. Heterozygous cows with CT genotype at the g.85330C>T locus showed the highest protein yield, with more than 4.18 kg compared with homozygous cows with TT genotype; homozygous CC cows were found at intermediate position. In case of protein percentage, homozygous cows with TT genotype were significantly greater than heterozygous CT cows, with a difference of about 0.012%; CC cows were found in lowest position. The allele substitution results demonstrated that g.85330C>T-C allele decreased protein yield (1.23kg) and protein percentage (0.016%). This result clearly indicated that g.85330C>T-T allele increased protein percentage and protein yield.

Key words: Chinese Holstein, Single nucleotide polymorphism, PPARGC1A gene