An association analysis between the variability of the caprine CD36 and CD36-like genes and dairy traits

•CD36 and CD36-like genotypes are associated with the composition of milk fat in goats.•Associations found for each gene encompass distinct subsets of fatty acids, emphasizing the need of studying with more detail the lipid binding properties of CD36 and CD36-like.•Polymorphisms associated with a higher unsaturated fatty acid content may allow to produce a healthier milk through marker-assisted selection.