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Leptin is a 16 kDa protein produced by the obesity (OB) gene, believed to be involved in regulation and deposition of fat. In ruminants, as in other species studied, leptin is secreted predominantly by adipose tissue. Plasma leptin level increases linearly with increased body fat mass. Leptin reduces feed intake in rodents, chicken, pig, sheep and other species of livestock and also plays a role in energy expenditure. The physiological properties support leptin as a strong candidate gene for evaluation of genetic polymorphisms. If a polymorphic genetic marker for the leptin gene is identified, it may be used for selection of animals with desired traits, ultimately MAS. In this paper leptin synthesis/ secretion, leptin receptors and its resistance have been reviewed. Besides this, the role of leptin in feed intake, metabolic rate, reproduction, fetal development and animal production systems has also been critically reviewed..
Keywords:
Leptin, obese gene, receptor, MAS, livestock
* 1 Ph. D Scholar, 2 Senior Scientist, 3 Scientist SS, 4 Principal Scientist & Head
Animal Genetics Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.) 243122.
** pushpendra@ivri.up.nic.in,
2007-059 Date received:August 2006; Accepted:August 2007.
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