Biological properties and polymorphisms of lactoferrin gene in dairy cows

In this article, biological properties of lactoferrin, Its role in the immune system, and genetic polymorphisms and their relationship with production traits and mastitis has been studied. Lactoferrin with 80 kDa molecular weight is composed of 690 amino acid. This glycoprotein plays many important functional and biological roles in the body, such as, protection of body against viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and also, inhibition role for growth of mastitis-causing pathogens. There are many Studies, which confirmed association between these gene polymorphisms with production traits and resistance to mastitis in Holstein cows. As a result, polymorphisms of this gene can be candidate for breeding programs of dairy cows to improve their resistance to mastitis and increase yield