Association of POU1F1 Gene Variants with Morphometric Traits and Blood Parameters in Muturu and Bunaji Cattle

Background and Objective: Genetic markers like the POU1F1 gene are known to influence growth and development traits in livestock. However, there is limited information on its association with morphometric, haematological, and biochemical traits in Nigerian indigenous cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between POU1F1 gene variants with various phenotypic traits and blood parameters in Muturu and Bunaji cattle breeds to understand their potential role in breeding strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 452 Muturu and Bunaji cattle were sampled. Morphometric measurements (e.g., body length, chest girth, tail length), haematological, and biochemical parameters were recorded. The DNA was extracted and genotyped to identify POU1F1 polymorphisms. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis and statistical tests, including ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, to assess associations between genetic variants and phenotypic traits. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05, with p<0.01 and <0.001 considered highly significant. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed among morphological traits, particularly body length, chest girth, and tail length, indicating their collective role in body size and robustness. However, the POU1F1 gene showed weak or negligible correlations with most measured traits in both breeds. These findings suggest that while morphometric traits are interrelated, POU1F1 may have limited influence on the traits assessed. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the limited association of POU1F1 gene variants with growth-related traits in Muturu and Bunaji cattle. Although morphological traits are strongly interrelated, the gene’s minimal contribution highlights the need for exploring other genetic markers. The findings support more targeted breeding programs integrating phenotypic selection with broader genomic tools.