Genotyping Charolais and Angus bulls for Progressive Ataxia by PCR-RFLP method

The paper presents a method for genotyping Charolais and Angus beef bulls for the causative mutation within KIF1C gene responsible for Progressive Ataxia (PA). The method involves amplifying a 406 bp fragment of the KIF1C gene using PCR and detecting the polymorphic site with the Mvn I restriction enzyme. Due to its simplicity, speed, and low cost, this method is accessible to an average laboratory equipped with a PCR thermocycler. Using this method, 62 bulls (46 Charolais and 16 Angus) currently used in artificial insemination in Poland were tested, among which 7 PA carriers were identified, exclusively among Charolais bulls. Detecting PA carriers does not mean they need to be eliminated, as according to the literature, they exhibit better growth and muscling traits.