We report molecular cloning and single nucleotide polymorphism detection of the 
buffalo DGAT1 gene. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) is considered the key 
enzyme in controlling the rate of synthesis of triglycerides. The DGAT1 gene was 
recently identified as a strong functional candidate gene affecting milk yield 
and composition in cattle. A full-length buffalo DGAT1 genomic DNA was amplified 
by iterative PCR based on homolog cloning. The buffalo DGAT1 gene comprises 17 
exons and spans approximately 8.3 kb. The genomic structures of DGAT1 are highly 
conserved among mammal species. The deduced protein of buffalo DGAT1 contains 
489 amino acids, showing high-sequence similarity with mammal homologs. Through 
PCR-SSCP analysis and sequencing, seven polymorphic positions were detected in 
the complete genomic region of buffalo DGAT1, and their frequencies were 
observed from a collection of 117 buffalo. The SNP (C/T) detected at position 
11785 in exon 17 creates a substitution change for the amino acid sequence, 
resulting in an Ala residue (GCG) transition to a Val residue (GTG) in position 
484 of buffalo DGAT1 protein. Information provided in this study will be useful 
in further studies to determine the role DGAT1 plays in the regulation of milk 
fat synthesis and quality improvement for milk in buffalo.