Abstract: The sequence of 1 441 bp from 5′flanking region of A-FABP gene was sequenced. The sequencing results showed only one SNP, namely -389（T/C）, then the genotypes of five native cattle breeds(Qinchuan cattle, Nanyang cattle, Luxi cattle, Jiaxian Red cattle and Xia′nan cattle) in China were examined by PCRSSCP. The SNP was detected in each group and devided into three genotypes: AA, AB and BB. χ² test indicated that this polymorphism site fit Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium（P>0.05）in five native cattle breeds. The study of relationships between some beef performance traits and genotypes in Qinchuan cattle showed that slaughter weight, carcass weight, moisture content of individuals with genotype AB were significantly lower than that of individuals with genotype AA and BB (P>0.05), but no significant difference between AA and BB genotypes. The marbling score of individuals with genotype BB was very significantly better than that of individuals with genotype AB（P<0.01）, and significantly better than that of individuals with genotype AA（P<0.05）, but no significant difference between AB and AA genotypes. The results indicate that this locus is a probable major QTL affecting marbling score and moisture content or tightly links to those genes affecting beef performance traits, it could be a candidate molecular marker for the beef cattle breeding.