1
|
Zayas GA, Rodriguez EE, Hernandez AS, Rezende FM, Mateescu RG. Exploring genomic inbreeding and selection signatures in a commercial Brangus herd through functional annotation. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:383-394. [PMID: 38528244 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Composite breeds, including Brangus, are widely utilized in subtropical and tropical regions to harness the advantages of both Bos t. taurus and Bos t. indicus breeds. The formation and subsequent selection of composite breeds may result in discernible signatures of selection and shifts in genomic population structure. The objectives of this study were to 1) assess genomic inbreeding, 2) identify signatures of selection, 3) assign functional roles to these signatures in a commercial Brangus herd, and 4) contrast signatures of selection between selected and non-selected cattle from the same year. A total of 4035 commercial Brangus cattle were genotyped using the GGP-F250K array. Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) were used to identify signatures of selection and calculate genomic inbreeding. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) enrichment analysis and literature search identified phenotypic traits linked to ROH islands. Genomic inbreeding averaged 5%, primarily stemming from ancestors five or more generations back. A total of nine ROH islands were identified, QTL enrichment analysis revealed traits related to growth, milk composition, carcass, reproductive, and meat quality traits. Notably, the ROH island on BTA14 encompasses the pleiomorphic adenoma (PLAG1) gene, which has been linked to growth, carcass, and reproductive traits. Moreover, ROH islands associated with milk yield and composition were more pronounced in selected replacement heifers of the population, underscoring the importance of milk traits in cow-calf production. In summary, our research sheds light on the changing genetic landscape of the Brangus breed due to selection pressures and reveals key genomic regions impacting production traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Zayas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | | | - Aakilah S Hernandez
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina States University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Fernanda M Rezende
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Raluca G Mateescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meng X, Li C, Hei Y, Zhou X, Zhou G. Comparative alternative polyadenylation profiles in differentiated adipocytes of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat tissue in cattle. Gene 2024; 894:147949. [PMID: 37918547 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a key molecular mechanism involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, which has been proven to play a critical role in cell differentiation. In the present study, we performed IVT-SAPAS sequencing to profile the dynamic changes of APA sites in bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes and intramuscular preadipocytes during adipogenesis. A total of 52621 high quality APA sites were identified in preadipocytes and adipocytes. Compared with preadipocytes, the increased usage of canonical AATAAA was observed in the cell-biased APA sites of adipocytes. Furthermore, 1933 and 2140 differentially expressed APA (DE-APA) sites, as well as 341 and 337 untranslated region-APA (UTR-APA) switching genes were identified in subcutaneous preadipocytes and intramuscular preadipocytes during adipogenesis, respectively. The UTR-APA switching genes showed divergent trends in preadipocytes, among which UTR-APA switching genes in intramuscular preadipocytes tended to use shorter 3'UTR for differentiation into mature adipocytes. APA events mediated by UTR-APA switching in intramuscular adipocytes were enriched in lipid synthesis and adipocyte differentiation. TRIB3, WWTR1, and INSIG1 played important roles in the differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Briefly, our results provided new insights into understanding the mechanisms of bovine adipocyte differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangge Meng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengping Li
- College of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yu Hei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Guoli Zhou
- College of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peng W, Fu C, Shu S, Wang G, Wang H, Yue B, Zhang M, Liu X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zhong J, Wang J. Whole-genome resequencing of major populations revealed domestication-related genes in yaks. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:69. [PMID: 38233755 PMCID: PMC10795378 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-09993-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The yak is a symbol of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and provides important basic resources for human life on the plateau. Domestic yaks have been subjected to strong artificial selection and environmental pressures over the long-term. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic differences in yak populations can reveal key functional genes involved in the domestication process and improve genetic breeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD Here, we re-sequenced 80 yaks (Maiwa, Yushu, and Huanhu populations) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic variants. After filtering and quality control, remaining SNPs were kept to identify the genome-wide regions of selective sweeps associated with domestic traits. The four methods (π, XPEHH, iHS, and XP-nSL) were used to detect the population genetic separation. RESULTS By comparing the differences in the population stratification, linkage disequilibrium decay rate, and characteristic selective sweep signals, we identified 203 putative selective regions of domestic traits, 45 of which were mapped to 27 known genes. They were clustered into 4 major GO biological process terms. All known genes were associated with seven major domestication traits, such as dwarfism (ANKRD28), milk (HECW1, HECW2, and OSBPL2), meat (SPATA5 and GRHL2), fertility (BTBD11 and ARFIP1), adaptation (NCKAP5, ANTXR1, LAMA5, OSBPL2, AOC2, and RYR2), growth (GRHL2, GRID2, SMARCAL1, and EPHB2), and the immune system (INPP5D and ADCYAP1R1). CONCLUSIONS We provided there is an obvious genetic different among domestic progress in these three yak populations. Our findings improve the understanding of the major genetic switches and domestic processes among yak populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Changqi Fu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Shi Shu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Guowen Wang
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Binglin Yue
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yaxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China.
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Valente D, Serra O, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. A Genome-Wide Association Study for Resistance to Tropical Theileriosis in Two Bovine Portuguese Autochthonous Breeds. Pathogens 2024; 13:71. [PMID: 38251378 PMCID: PMC10819359 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The control of Tropical Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease with a strong impact on cattle breeding, can be facilitated using marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using high-density arrays are extremely important for the ongoing process of identifying genomic variants associated with resistance to Theileria annulata infection. In this work, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in the Portuguese autochthonous cattle breeds Alentejana and Mertolenga. In total, 24 SNPs suggestive of significance (p ≤ 10-4) were identified for Alentejana cattle and 20 SNPs were identified for Mertolenga cattle. The genomic regions around these SNPs were further investigated for annotated genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) previously described by other authors. Regarding the Alentejana breed, the MAP3K1, CMTM7, SSFA2, and ATG13 genes are located near suggestive SNPs and appear as candidate genes for resistance to Tropical Theileriosis, considering its action in the immune response and resistance to other diseases. On the other hand, in the Mertolenga breed, the UOX gene is also a candidate gene due to its apparent link to the pathogenesis of the disease. These results may represent a first step toward the possibility of including genetic markers for resistance to Tropical Theileriosis in current breed selection programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal; (N.C.); (I.C.)
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Octávio Serra
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P., Banco Português de Germoplasma Vegetal, Quinta de S. José, S. Pedro de Merelim, 4700-859 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Nuno Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal; (N.C.); (I.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa—Estação Zootécnica Nacional, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Monforte Herdade da Coutada Real-Assumar, 7450-051 Assumar, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, 7006-806 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Inês Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal; (N.C.); (I.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa—Estação Zootécnica Nacional, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
MacPhillamy C, Ren Y, Chen T, Hiendleder S, Low WY. MicroRNA breed and parent-of-origin effects provide insights into biological pathways differentiating cattle subspecies in fetal liver. Front Genet 2023; 14:1329939. [PMID: 38162682 PMCID: PMC10757722 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1329939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during key developmental processes, including fetal development. Brahman (Bos taurus indicus) and Angus (Bos taurus taurus) cattle breeds represent two major cattle subspecies with strikingly different phenotypes. Methods: We analyzed miRNA expression in liver samples of purebred and reciprocal crosses of Angus and Brahman to investigate breed and parent-of-origin effects at the onset of accelerated fetal growth. Results: We identified eight novel miRNAs in fetal liver samples and 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between purebred samples. Correlation of gene expression modules and miRNAs by breed and parent-of-origin effects revealed an enrichment of genes associated with breed-specific differences in traits such as heat tolerance (Brahman) and fat deposition (Angus). We demonstrate that genes predicted to be targets of DEMs were more likely to be differentially expressed than non-targets (p-value < 0.05). We identified several miRNAs (bta-miR-187, bta-miR-216b, bta-miR-2284c, bta-miR-2285c, bta-miR-2285cp, bta-miR-2419-3p, bta-miR-2419-5p, and bta-miR-11984) that showed similar correlation patterns as bta-miR-2355-3p, which has been associated with the glutamatergic synapse pathway, a key facilitator of heat tolerance. Furthermore, we report Angus-breed-specific miRNAs (bta-miR-2313-5p, btamiR-490, bta-miR-2316, and bta-miR-11990) that may be involved in fat deposition. Finally, we showed that the DEMs identified in fetal liver are involved in Rap1, MAPK, and Ras signalling pathways, which are important for fetal development, muscle development and metabolic traits such as fat metabolism. Conclusion: Our work sheds light on the miRNA expression patterns that contribute to gene expression differences driving phenotypic differences in indicine and taurine cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum MacPhillamy
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Yan Ren
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Tong Chen
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Stefan Hiendleder
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wai Yee Low
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alipanah M, Roudbari Z, Momen M, Esmailizadeh A. Impact of inclusion non-additive effects on genome-wide association and variance's components in Scottish black sheep. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3765-3773. [PMID: 37343283 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2224845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT It's well-documented that most economic traits have a complex genetic structure that is controlled by additive and non-additive gene actions. Hence, knowledge of the underlying genetic architecture of such complex traits could aid in understanding how these traits respond to the selection in breeding and mating programs. Computing and having estimates of the non-additive effect for economic traits in sheep using genome-wide information can be important because; non-additive genes play an important role in the prediction accuracy of genomic breeding values and the genetic response to the selection. AIM This study aimed to assess the impact of non-additive effects (dominance and epistasis) on the estimation of genetic parameters for body weight traits in sheep. METHODS This study used phenotypic and genotypic belonging to 752 Scottish Blackface lambs. Three live weight traits considered in this study were included in body weight at 16, 20, and 24 weeks). Three genetic models including additive (AM), additive + dominance (ADM), and additive + dominance + epistasis (ADEM), were used. KEY RESULTS The narrow sense heritability for weight at 16 weeks of age (BW16) were 0.39, 0.35, and 0.23, for 20 weeks of age (BW20) were 0.55, 0.54, and 0.42, and finally for 24 weeks of age (BW24) were 0.16, 0.12, and 0.02, using the AM, ADM, and ADEM models, respectively. The additive genetic model significantly outperformed the non-additive genetic model (p < 0.01). The dominance variance of the BW16, BW20, and BW24 accounted for 38, 6, and 30% of the total phenotypic, respectively. Moreover, the epistatic variance accounted for 39, 0.39, and 47% of the total phenotypic variances of these traits, respectively. In addition, our results indicated that the most important SNPs for live weight traits are on chromosomes 3 (three SNPS including s12606.1, OAR3_221188082.1, and OAR3_4106875.1), 8 (OAR8_16468019.1, OAR8_18067475.1, and OAR8_18043643.1), and 19 (OAR19_18010247.1), according to the genome-wide association analysis using additive and non-additive genetic model. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasized that the non-additive genetic effects play an important role in controlling body weight variation at the age of 16-24 weeks in Scottish Blackface lambs. IMPLICATIONS It is expected that using a high-density SNP panel and the joint modeling of both additive and non-additive effects can lead to better estimation and prediction of genetic parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Alipanah
- Department of Plant Production, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat-e Heydarieh, Iran
| | - Zahra Roudbari
- Department of Animal Science, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Mehdi Momen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ali Esmailizadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Calderón-Chagoya R, Vega-Murillo VE, García-Ruiz A, Ríos-Utrera Á, Martínez-Velázquez G, Montaño-Bermúdez M. Discovering Genomic Regions Associated with Reproductive Traits and Frame Score in Mexican Simmental and Simbrah Cattle Using Individual SNP and Haplotype Markers. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2004. [PMID: 38002947 PMCID: PMC10671695 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive efficiency stands as a critical determinant of profitability within beef production systems. The incorporation of molecular markers can expedite advancements in reproductive performance. While the use of SNPs in association analysis is prevalent, approaches centered on haplotypes can offer a more comprehensive insight. The study used registered Simmental and Simbrah cattle genotyped with the GGP Bovine 150 k panel. Phenotypes included scrotal circumference (SC), heifer fertility (HF), stayability (STAY), and frame score (FS). After quality control, 105,129 autosomal SNPs from 967 animals were used. Haplotype blocks were defined based on linkage disequilibrium. Comparison between haplotypes and SNPs for reproductive traits and FS was conducted using Bayesian and frequentist models. 23, 13, 7, and 2 SNPs exhibited associations with FS, SC, HF, and STAY, respectively. In addition, seven, eight, seven, and one haplotypes displayed associations with FS, SC, HF, and STAY, respectively. Within these delineated genomic segments, potential candidate genes were associated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- René Calderón-Chagoya
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
- National Center for Disciplinary Research in Physiology and Animal Improvement, National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, Querétaro 76280, Mexico;
| | - Vicente Eliezer Vega-Murillo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Veracruzana University, Veracruz 91710, Mexico; (V.E.V.-M.); (Á.R.-U.)
| | - Adriana García-Ruiz
- National Center for Disciplinary Research in Physiology and Animal Improvement, National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, Querétaro 76280, Mexico;
| | - Ángel Ríos-Utrera
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Veracruzana University, Veracruz 91710, Mexico; (V.E.V.-M.); (Á.R.-U.)
| | - Guillermo Martínez-Velázquez
- Experimental Field Santiago Ixcuintla, National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, Nayarit 63570, Mexico;
| | - Moisés Montaño-Bermúdez
- National Center for Disciplinary Research in Physiology and Animal Improvement, National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, Querétaro 76280, Mexico;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang L, Li X, Zhuang Z, Zhou S, Wu J, Xu C, Ruan D, Qiu Y, Zhao H, Zheng E, Cai G, Wu Z, Yang J. Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies the Crucial Candidate Genes for Teat Number in Crossbred Commercial Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1880. [PMID: 37889833 PMCID: PMC10251818 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of teats is a crucial reproductive trait with significant economic implications on maternal capacity and litter size. Consequently, improving this trait is essential to facilitate genetic selection for increased litter size. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the number of teats in a three-way crossbred commercial Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) pig population comprising 1518 animals genotyped with the 50K BeadChip. Our analysis identified crucial quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the number of teats, containing the ABCD4 and VRTN genes on porcine chromosome 7. Our results establish SNP variants of ABCD4 and VRTN as new molecular markers for improving the number of teats in DLY pigs. Furthermore, the most significant noteworthy single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (7_97568284) was identified within the ABCD4 gene, exhibiting a significant association with the total teat number traits. This SNP accounted for a substantial proportion of the genetic variance, explaining 6.64% of the observed variation. These findings reveal a novel gene on SSC7 for the number of teats and provide a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproductive traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Yang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Xuehua Li
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Zhanwei Zhuang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Shenping Zhou
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Jie Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Cineng Xu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Donglin Ruan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Yibin Qiu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Hua Zhao
- National S&T Innovation Center for Modern Agricultural Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China;
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu 527400, China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (S.Z.); (J.W.); (C.X.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (E.Z.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dzomba EF, Van Der Nest MA, Mthembu JNT, Soma P, Snyman MA, Chimonyo M, Muchadeyi FC. Selection signature analysis and genome-wide divergence of South African Merino breeds from their founders. Front Genet 2023; 13:932272. [PMID: 36685923 PMCID: PMC9847500 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.932272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Merino sheep are a breed of choice across the world, popularly kept for their wool and mutton value. They are often reared as a pure breed or used in crossbreeding and are a common component in synthetic breed development. This study evaluated genetic diversity, population structure, and breed divergence in 279 animals of Merino and Merino-based sheep breeds in South Africa using the Illumina Ovine SNP 50K BeadChip. The sheep breeds analysed included the three Merino-derived breeds of Dohne Merino (n = 50); Meatmaster (n = 47); and Afrino (n = 52) and five presumed ancestral populations of Merinos (Merino (n = 46); South African Merino (n = 10); and South African Mutton Merino (n = 8)); and the non-Merino founding breeds of Damara (n = 20); Ronderib Afrikaner (n = 17); and Nguni (n = 29). Highest genetic diversity values were observed in the Dohne Merino (DM), with H o = 0.39 ± 0.01, followed by the Meatmaster and South African Merino (SAM), with H o = 0.37 ± 0.03. The level of inbreeding ranged from 0.0 ± 0.02 (DM) to 0.27 ± 0.05 (Nguni). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed high within-population variance (>80%) across all population categories. The first principal component (PC1) separated the Merino, South African Mutton Merino (SAMM), DM, and Afrino (AFR) from the Meatmaster, Damara, Nguni, and Ronderib Afrikaner (RDA). PC2 aligned each Merino-derived breed with its presumed ancestors and separated the SAMM from the Merino and SAM. The iHS analysis yielded selection sweeps across the AFR (12 sweeps), Meatmaster (four sweeps), and DM (29 sweeps). Hair/wool trait genes such as FGF12; metabolic genes of ICA1, NXPH1, and GPR171; and immune response genes of IL22, IL26, IFNAR1, and IL10RB were reported. Other genes include HMGA, which was observed as selection signatures in other populations; WNT5A, important in the development of the skeleton and mammary glands; ANTXR2, associated with adaptation to variation in climatic conditions; and BMP2, which has been reported as strongly selected in both fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep. The DM vs. SAMM shared all six sweep regions on chromosomes 1, 10, and 11 with AFR vs. SAMM. Genes such as FGF12 on OAR 1:191.3-194.7 Mb and MAP2K4 on OAR 11:28.6-31.3 Mb were observed. The selection sweep on chromosome 10 region 28.6-30.3 Mb harbouring the RXFP2 for polledness was shared between the DM vs. Merino, the Meatmaster vs. Merino, and the Meatmaster vs. Nguni. The DM vs. Merino and the Meatmaster vs. Merino also shared an Rsb-based selection sweep on chromosome 1 region 268.5-269.9 Mb associated with the Calpain gene, CAPN7. The study demonstrated some genetic similarities between the Merino and Merino-derived breeds emanating from common founding populations and some divergence driven by breed-specific selection goals. Overall, information regarding the evolution of these composite breeds from their founding population will guide future breed improvement programs and management and conservation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. F. Dzomba
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,*Correspondence: E. F. Dzomba,
| | - M. A. Van Der Nest
- Agricultural Research Council Biotechnology Platform, Private Bag X5 Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J. N. T. Mthembu
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Soma
- Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production and Improvement, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M. A. Snyman
- Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Middelburg, South Africa
| | - M. Chimonyo
- Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - F. C. Muchadeyi
- Agricultural Research Council Biotechnology Platform, Private Bag X5 Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neumann GB, Korkuć P, Arends D, Wolf MJ, May K, König S, Brockmann GA. Genomic diversity and relationship analyses of endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN) to 68 other taurine breeds based on whole-genome sequencing. Front Genet 2023; 13:993959. [PMID: 36712857 PMCID: PMC9875303 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.993959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
German Black Pied cattle (Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Niederungsrind, DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose cattle breed originating from the North Sea region. The population comprises about 2,500 cattle and is considered one of the ancestral populations of the modern Holstein breed. The current study aimed at defining the breeds closest related to DSN cattle, characterizing their genomic diversity and inbreeding. In addition, the detection of selection signatures between DSN and Holstein was a goal. Relationship analyses using fixation index (FST), phylogenetic, and admixture analyses were performed between DSN and 68 other breeds from the 1000 Bull Genomes Project. Nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity were calculated as metrics for genomic diversity. Inbreeding was measured as excess of homozygosity (FHom) and genomic inbreeding (FRoH) through runs of homozygosity (RoHs). Region-wide FST and cross-population-extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) between DSN and Holstein were used to detect selection signatures between the two breeds, and RoH islands were used to detect selection signatures within DSN and Holstein. DSN showed a close genetic relationship with breeds from the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Germany, and Scandinavia, such as Dutch Friesian Red, Dutch Improved Red, Belgian Red White Campine, Red White Dual Purpose, Modern Angler, Modern Danish Red, and Holstein. The nucleotide diversity in DSN (0.151%) was higher than in Holstein (0.147%) and other breeds, e.g., Norwegian Red (0.149%), Red White Dual Purpose (0.149%), Swedish Red (0.149%), Hereford (0.145%), Angus (0.143%), and Jersey (0.136%). The FHom and FRoH values in DSN were among the lowest. Regions with high FST between DSN and Holstein, significant XP-EHH regions, and RoH islands detected in both breeds harbor candidate genes that were previously reported for milk, meat, fertility, production, and health traits, including one QTL detected in DSN for endoparasite infection resistance. The selection signatures between DSN and Holstein provide evidence of regions responsible for the dual-purpose properties of DSN and the milk type of Holstein. Despite the small population size, DSN has a high level of diversity and low inbreeding. FST supports its relatedness to breeds from the same geographic origin and provides information on potential gene pools that could be used to maintain diversity in DSN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme B. Neumann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Korkuć
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Danny Arends
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel J. Wolf
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Brockmann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Gudrun A. Brockmann,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Genomic Analysis of Heterosis in an Angus × Hereford Cattle Population. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020191. [PMID: 36670731 PMCID: PMC9854582 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Crossbreeding is widely used in the beef cattle industry to exploit its several benefits. This study evaluated the effects of heterozygosity on growth traits in an Angus × Hereford cross-population. Moreover, a genome wide association study was conducted to detect regions in the genome with significant dominance effects on growth traits contributing to heterosis. A total of 1530 animals comprising of pure Line 1 Hereford, Angus and Angus × Line 1 Hereford cross. Growth phenotypes included birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight. All animals were genotyped with GeneSeek GGP LD 50k. Significant effects of genomic heterozygosity on growth traits were detected. These effects were 0.03 kg (0.006), 5.13 kg (0.04), 6.02 kg (0.08) on birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight, respectively. Genome wide association study revealed several SNP markers with significant heterotic effects associated with birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight. These SNP markers were located on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 21, 14, 19, 13 and 12. Genes in these regions were reported to be involved in growth and other important physiological mechanisms. Our study revealed several regions associated with dominance effects and contributing to heterosis. These results could be beneficial in optimizing crossbreeding.
Collapse
|
12
|
Calderón-Chagoya R, Vega-Murillo VE, García-Ruiz A, Ríos-Utrera Á, Martínez-Velázquez G, Montaño-Bermúdez M. Genome and chromosome wide association studies for growth traits in Simmental and Simbrah cattle. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:19-28. [PMID: 35798032 PMCID: PMC9834659 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to perform genome (genome wide association studies [GWAS]) and chromosome (CWAS) wide association analyses to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth traits in registered Simmental and Simbrah cattle. METHODS The phenotypes were deregressed BLUP EBVs for birth weight, weaning weight direct, weaning weight maternal, and yearling weight. The genotyping was performed with the GGP Bovine 150k chip. After the quality control analysis, 105,129 autosomal SNP from 967 animals (473 Simmental and 494 Simbrah) were used to carry out genotype association tests. The two association analyses were performed per breed and using combined information of the two breeds. The SNP associated with growth traits were mapped to their corresponding genes at 100 kb on either side. RESULTS A difference in magnitude of posterior probabilities was found across breeds between genome and chromosome wide association analyses. A total of 110, 143, and 302 SNP were associated with GWAS and CWAS for growth traits in the Simmental-, Simbrah-and joint -data analyses, respectively. It stands out from the enrichment analysis of the pathways for RNA polymerase (POLR2G, POLR3E) and GABAergic synapse (GABRR1, GABRR3) for Simmental cattle and p53 signaling pathway (BID, SERPINB5) for Simbrah cattle. CONCLUSION Only 6,265% of the markers associated with growth traits were found using CWAS and GWAS. The associated markers using the CWAS analysis, which were not associated using the GWAS, represents information that due to the model and priors was not associated with the traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- René Calderón-Chagoya
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510,
México,Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Fisiología y Mejoramiento Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Colón, Querétaro 76280,
México
| | | | - Adriana García-Ruiz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Fisiología y Mejoramiento Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Colón, Querétaro 76280,
México
| | - Ángel Ríos-Utrera
- Campo Experimental La Posta, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Medellín, Veracruz 94277,
México
| | - Guillermo Martínez-Velázquez
- Campo Experimental Santiago Ixcuintla, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit 63570,
México
| | - Moisés Montaño-Bermúdez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Fisiología y Mejoramiento Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Colón, Querétaro 76280,
México,Corresponding Author: Moisés Montaño-Bermúdez, Tel: +52-55-38-71-8700 Ext. 80220, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Additive and Non-Additive Effects on Growth Traits in Duroc Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081454. [PMID: 36011365 PMCID: PMC9407794 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth rate plays a critical role in the pig industry and is related to quantitative traits controlled by many genes. Here, we aimed to identify causative mutations and candidate genes responsible for pig growth traits. In this study, 2360 Duroc pigs were used to detect significant additive, dominance, and epistatic effects associated with growth traits. As a result, a total number of 32 significant SNPs for additive or dominance effects were found to be associated with various factors, including adjusted age at a specified weight (AGE), average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BF), and loin muscle depth (LMD). In addition, the detected additive significant SNPs explained 2.49%, 3.02%, 3.18%, and 1.96% of the deregressed estimated breeding value (DEBV) variance for AGE, ADG, BF, and LMD, respectively, while significant dominance SNPs could explain 2.24%, 13.26%, and 4.08% of AGE, BF, and LMD, respectively. Meanwhile, a total of 805 significant epistatic effects SNPs were associated with one of ADG, AGE, and LMD, from which 11 sub-networks were constructed. In total, 46 potential genes involved in muscle development, fat deposition, and regulation of cell growth were considered as candidates for growth traits, including CD55 and NRIP1 for AGE and ADG, TRIP11 and MIS2 for BF, and VRTN and ZEB2 for LMD, respectively. Generally, in this study, we detected both new and reported variants and potential candidate genes for growth traits of Duroc pigs, which might to be taken into account in future molecular breeding programs to improve the growth performance of pigs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Smith JL, Wilson ML, Nilson SM, Rowan TN, Schnabel RD, Decker JE, Seabury CM. Genome-wide association and genotype by environment interactions for growth traits in U.S. Red Angus cattle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:517. [PMID: 35842584 PMCID: PMC9287884 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08667-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genotypic information produced from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays has routinely been used to identify genomic regions associated with complex traits in beef and dairy cattle. Herein, we assembled a dataset consisting of 15,815 Red Angus beef cattle distributed across the continental U.S. and a union set of 836,118 imputed SNPs to conduct genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) for growth traits using univariate linear mixed models (LMM); including birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight. Genomic relationship matrix heritability estimates were produced for all growth traits, and genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions were investigated. Results Moderate to high heritabilities with small standard errors were estimated for birth weight (0.51 ± 0.01), weaning weight (0.25 ± 0.01), and yearling weight (0.42 ± 0.01). GWAA revealed 12 pleiotropic QTL (BTA6, BTA14, BTA20) influencing Red Angus birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight which met a nominal significance threshold (P ≤ 1e-05) for polygenic traits using 836K imputed SNPs. Moreover, positional candidate genes associated with Red Angus growth traits in this study (i.e., LCORL, LOC782905, NCAPG, HERC6, FAM184B, SLIT2, MMRN1, KCNIP4, CCSER1, GRID2, ARRDC3, PLAG1, IMPAD1, NSMAF, PENK, LOC112449660, MOS, SH3PXD2B, STC2, CPEB4) were also previously associated with feed efficiency, growth, and carcass traits in beef cattle. Collectively, 14 significant GxE interactions were also detected, but were less consistent among the investigated traits at a nominal significance threshold (P ≤ 1e-05); with one pleiotropic GxE interaction detected on BTA28 (24 Mb) for Red Angus weaning weight and yearling weight. Conclusions Sixteen well-supported QTL regions detected from the GWAA and GxE GWAA for growth traits (birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight) in U.S. Red Angus cattle were found to be pleiotropic. Twelve of these pleiotropic QTL were also identified in previous studies focusing on feed efficiency and growth traits in multiple beef breeds and/or their composites. In agreement with other beef cattle GxE studies our results implicate the role of vasodilation, metabolism, and the nervous system in the genetic sensitivity to environmental stress. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08667-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Smith
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Miranda L Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Sara M Nilson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Troy N Rowan
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Jared E Decker
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Christopher M Seabury
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhou M, Zhu Z, Sun HZ, Zhao K, Dugan MER, Bruce H, Fitzsimmons C, Li C, Guan LL. Breed dependent regulatory mechanisms of beneficial and non-beneficial fatty acid profiles in subcutaneous adipose tissue in cattle with divergent feed efficiency. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4612. [PMID: 35301378 PMCID: PMC8931072 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08572-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to determine whether breed and feed efficiency affect the molecular mechanisms regulating beneficial and non-beneficial fatty acid profiles in subcutaneous adipose tissue of beef steers. Fatty acid profiling and RNA-Seq based transcriptome analysis were performed on subcutaneous adipose tissues collected from beef steers with three divergent breeds (Angus, ANG, n = 47; Charolais, CHAR, n = 48; Kinsella Composite, KC, n = 48) and different residual feed intake (RFI, a measure of feed efficiency). The comparison of fatty acid profiles showed that KC had higher beneficial FAs compared to the other two breeds. Distinct FA profiles between H-RFIfat and L-RFIfat steers was more obvious for KC steers, where H-RFIfat steers tended to have higher proportion of healthy FAs and lower proportion of the unhealthy FAs. A higher number of differentially expressed (DE) genes were observed for KC steers, whereas ANG and CHAR steers had a lower number of DE genes between H- and L-RFIfat steers. The association analyses of the gene expressions and FA profiles showed that 10 FA metabolism-associated genes together with the one upstream regulator (SREBF1) were associated with the proportion of C18:2n-6, total n-6, PUFA and PUFA/SFA for KC steers but not the other two breeds. Subcutaneous adipose tissue FA profiles and healthy FA index differed in cattle with divergent feed efficiency and such variation was unique for the three examined cattle breeds. Key FA metabolism-associated genes together with SREBF1 which is the upstream regulator of a set of genes involved in lipid metabolism may be of importance for genetic selection of meat with higher healthy FA index in beef cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhou
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Zhi Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Hui-Zeng Sun
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China
| | - Mike E R Dugan
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Heather Bruce
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Carolyn Fitzsimmons
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Changxi Li
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kenny D, Carthy TR, Murphy CP, Sleator RD, Evans RD, Berry DP. The Association Between Genomic Heterozygosity and Carcass Merit in Cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:789270. [PMID: 35281838 PMCID: PMC8908906 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.789270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to quantify the association between both pedigree and genome-based measures of global heterozygosity and carcass traits, and to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exhibiting non-additive associations with these traits. The carcass traits of interest were carcass weight (CW), carcass conformation (CC) and carcass fat (CF). To define the genome-based measures of heterozygosity, and to quantify the non-additive associations between SNPs and the carcass traits, imputed, high-density genotype data, comprising of 619,158 SNPs, from 27,213 cattle were used. The correlations between the pedigree-based heterosis coefficient and the three defined genomic measures of heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.76. The associations between the different measures of heterozygosity and the carcass traits were biologically small, with positive associations for CW and CC, and negative associations for CF. Furthermore, even after accounting for the pedigree-based heterosis coefficient of an animal, part of the remaining variability in some of the carcass traits could be captured by a genomic heterozygosity measure. This signifies that the inclusion of both a heterosis coefficient based on pedigree information and a genome-based measure of heterozygosity could be beneficial to limiting bias in predicting additive genetic merit. Finally, one SNP located on Bos taurus (BTA) chromosome number 5 demonstrated a non-additive association with CW. Furthermore, 182 SNPs (180 SNPs on BTA 2 and two SNPs on BTA 21) demonstrated a non-additive association with CC, while 231 SNPs located on BTA 2, 5, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19 and 21 demonstrated a non-additive association with CF. Results demonstrate that heterozygosity both at a global level and at the level of individual loci contribute little to the variability in carcass merit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Kenny
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Ireland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tara R. Carthy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Craig P. Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Roy D. Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Donagh P. Berry
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Donagh P. Berry,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neumann GB, Korkuć P, Arends D, Wolf MJ, May K, Reißmann M, Elzaki S, König S, Brockmann GA. Design and performance of a bovine 200 k SNP chip developed for endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN). BMC Genomics 2021; 22:905. [PMID: 34922441 PMCID: PMC8684242 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08237-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND German Black Pied cattle (DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose breed which was largely replaced by Holstein cattle due to their lower milk yield. DSN cattle are kept as a genetic reserve with a current herd size of around 2500 animals. The ability to track sequence variants specific to DSN could help to support the conservation of DSN's genetic diversity and to provide avenues for genetic improvement. RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing data of 304 DSN cattle were used to design a customized DSN200k SNP chip harboring 182,154 variants (173,569 SNPs and 8585 indels) based on ten selection categories. We included variants of interest to DSN such as DSN unique variants and variants from previous association studies in DSN, but also variants of general interest such as variants with predicted consequences of high, moderate, or low impact on the transcripts and SNPs from the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Further, the selection of variants based on haplotype blocks ensured that the whole-genome was uniformly covered with an average variant distance of 14.4 kb on autosomes. Using 300 DSN and 162 animals from other cattle breeds including Holstein, endangered local cattle populations, and also a Bos indicus breed, performance of the SNP chip was evaluated. Altogether, 171,978 (94.31%) of the variants were successfully called in at least one of the analyzed breeds. In DSN, the number of successfully called variants was 166,563 (91.44%) while 156,684 (86.02%) were segregating at a minor allele frequency > 1%. The concordance rate between technical replicates was 99.83 ± 0.19%. CONCLUSION The DSN200k SNP chip was proved useful for DSN and other Bos taurus as well as one Bos indicus breed. It is suitable for genetic diversity management and marker-assisted selection of DSN animals. Moreover, variants that were segregating in other breeds can be used for the design of breed-specific customized SNP chips. This will be of great value in the application of conservation programs for endangered local populations in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme B Neumann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Korkuć
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Danny Arends
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel J Wolf
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Monika Reißmann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Salma Elzaki
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Brockmann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Crum TE, Schnabel RD, Decker JE, Taylor JF. Taurine and Indicine Haplotype Representation in Advanced Generation Individuals From Three American Breeds. Front Genet 2021; 12:758394. [PMID: 34733318 PMCID: PMC8558500 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.758394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the American Breeds of beef cattle began in the 1920s as breeders and U. S. Experiment Station researchers began to create Bos taurus taurus × Bos taurus indicus hybrids using Brahman as the B. t. indicus source. By 1954, U.S. Breed Associations had been formed for Brangus (5/8 Angus × 3/8 Brahman), Beefmaster (½ Brahman × ¼ Shorthorn × ¼ Hereford), and Santa Gertrudis (5/8 Shorthorn × 3/8 Brahman). While these breeds were developed using mating designs expected to create base generation animals with the required genome contributions from progenitor breeds, each association has now registered advanced generation animals in which selection or drift may have caused the realized genome compositions to differ from initial expected proportions. The availability of high-density SNP genotypes for 9,161 Brangus, 3,762 Beefmaster, and 1,942 Santa Gertrudis animals allowed us to compare the realized genomic architectures of breed members to the base generation expectations. We used RFMix to estimate local ancestry and identify genomic regions in which the proportion of Brahman ancestry differed significantly from a priori expectations. For all three breeds, lower than expected levels of Brahman composition were found genome-wide, particularly in early-generation animals where we demonstrate that selection on beef production traits was likely responsible for the taurine enrichment. Using a proxy for generation number, we also contrasted the genomes of early- and advanced-generation animals and found that the indicine composition of the genome has increased with generation number likely due to selection on adaptive traits. Many of the most-highly differentiated genomic regions were breed specific, suggesting that differences in breeding objectives and selection intensities exist between the breeds. Global ancestry estimation is commonly performed in admixed animals to control for stratification in association studies. However, local ancestry estimation provides the opportunity to investigate the evolution of specific chromosomal segments and estimate haplotype effects on trait variation in admixed individuals. Investigating the genomic architecture of the American Breeds not only allows the estimation of indicine and taurine genome proportions genome-wide, but also the locations within the genome where either taurine or indicine alleles confer a selective advantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar E Crum
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jared E Decker
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jeremy F Taylor
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang K, Wu P, Wang S, Ji X, Chen D, Jiang A, Xiao W, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Zeng Y, Xu X, Li X, Tang G. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in Chinese Chenghua and Yorkshire pigs. BMC Genom Data 2021; 22:21. [PMID: 34134626 PMCID: PMC8207654 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-021-00977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Chinese Chenghua pig (CHP) is a typical Chinese domestic fatty pig breed with superior meat quality characteristics, while the Yorkshire pig (YP) has the characteristics of fast growth and a high rate of lean meat. Long term natural selection and artificial selection resulted in great phenotypic differences between the two breeds, including growth, development, production performance, meat quality, and coat color. However, genome-wide DNA methylation differences between CHP and YP remain unclear. Results DNA methylation data were generated for muscle tissues of CHP and YP using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). In this study, a total of 2,416,211 CpG sites were identified. Besides, the genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed 722 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 466 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in pairwise CHP vs. YP comparison. Six key genomic regions (Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC)1:253.47–274.23 Mb, SSC6:148.71–169.49 Mb, SSC7:0.25–9.86 Mb, SSC12:43.06–61.49 Mb, SSC14:126.43–140.95 Mb, and SSC18:49.17–54.54 Mb) containing multiple DMRs were identified, and differences of methylation patterns in these regions may be related to phenotypic differences between CHP and YP. Based on the functional analysis of DMGs, 8 DMGs (ADCY1, AGBL4, EXOC2, FUBP3, PAPPA2, PIK3R1, MGMT and MYH8) were considered as important candidate genes associated with muscle development and meat quality traits in pigs. Conclusions This study explored the difference in meat quality between CHP and YP from the epigenetic point of view, which has important reference significance for the local pork industry and pork food processing. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-021-00977-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pingxian Wu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anan Jiang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihang Xiao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiren Gu
- Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Yanzhi Jiang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, China
| | | | - Xu Xu
- Sichuan Animal Husbandry Station, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoqing Tang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Terry SA, Basarab JA, Guan LL, McAllister TA. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there are approximately one billion beef cattle, and compared with poultry and swine, beef cattle have the poorest conversion efficiency of feed to meat. However, these metrics fail to consider that beef cattle produce high-quality protein from feeds that are unsuitable for other livestock species. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle are focusing on operational and breeding management, host genetics, functional efficiency of rumen and respiratory microbiomes, and the structure and composition of feed. These strategies must also consider the health and immunity of the herd as well as the need for beef cattle to thrive in a changing environment. Genotyping can identify hybrid vigor with positive consequences for animal health, productivity, and environmental adaptability. The role of microbiome–host interactions is key in efficient nutrient digestion and host health. Microbial markers and gene expression patterns within the rumen microbiome are being used to identify hosts that are efficient at fibre digestion. Plant breeding and processing are optimizing the feed value of both forages and concentrates. Strategies to improve the efficiency of cattle production are a prerequisite for the sustainable intensification needed to satisfy the future demand for beef.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A. Terry
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - John A. Basarab
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Keogh K, Carthy TR, McClure MC, Waters SM, Kenny DA. Genome-wide association study of economically important traits in Charolais and Limousin beef cows. Animal 2020; 15:100011. [PMID: 33515994 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic selection has proven effective for advancing genetic gain for key profit traits in dairy cattle production systems. However, its impact to-date on genetic improvement programs for beef cattle has been less effective. Despite this, the technology is thought to be particularly useful for low heritability traits such as those associated with reproductive efficiency. The objective of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with key determinants of reproductive and overall productive efficiency in beef cows. The analysis employed a large dataset derived from the national genetic evaluation program in Ireland for two of the most predominant beef breeds, viz. Charolais (n = 5 244 cows) and Limousin (n = 7 304 cows). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as being statistically significantly associated (adj. P < 0.05) with both reproductive and productive traits for both breed types. However, there was little across breed commonality, with only two SNPs (rs110240246 and rs110344317; adj. P < 0.05) located within the genomic regions of the LCORL and MSTN genes respectively, identified in both Charolais and Limousin populations, associated with traits including carcass weight, cull-cow weight and live-weight. Significant SNPs within the MSTN gene were also associated with both reproduction and production related traits within each breed. Finally, traits including calving difficulty, calf mortality and calving interval were associated with SNPs within genomic regions comprising genes involved in cellular growth and lipid metabolism. Genetic variants identified as associated with both important reproductive efficiency and production related traits from this study warrant further analyses for their potential incorporation into breeding programmes to support the sustainability of beef cattle production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Keogh
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - T R Carthy
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - M C McClure
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - S M Waters
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - D A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Islam S, Reddy UK, Natarajan P, Abburi VL, Bajwa AA, Imran M, Zahoor MY, Abdullah M, Bukhari AM, Iqbal S, Ashraf K, Nadeem A, Rehman H, Rashid I, Shehzad W. Population demographic history and population structure for Pakistani Nili-Ravi breeding bulls based on SNP genotyping to identify genomic regions associated with male effects for milk yield and body weight. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242500. [PMID: 33232358 PMCID: PMC7685427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic Nili-Ravi water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is the best dairy animal contributing 68% to total milk production in Pakistan. In this study, we identified genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to estimate various population genetic parameters such as diversity, pairwise population differentiation, linkage disequilibrium (LD) distribution and for genome-wide association study for milk yield and body weight traits in the Nili-Ravi dairy bulls that they may pass on to their daughters who are retained for milking purposes. The genotyping by sequencing approach revealed 13,039 reference genome-anchored SNPs with minor allele frequency of 0.05 among 167 buffalos. Population structure analysis revealed that the bulls were grouped into two clusters (K = 2), which indicates the presence of two different lineages in the Pakistani Nili-Ravi water buffalo population, and we showed the extent of admixture of these two lineages in our bull collection. LD analysis revealed 4169 significant SNP associations, with an average LD decay of 90 kb for these buffalo genome. Genome-wide association study involved a multi-locus mixed linear model for milk yield and body weight to identify genome-wide male effects. Our study further illustrates the utility of the genotyping by sequencing approach for identifying genomic regions to uncover additional demographic complexity and to improve the complex dairy traits of the Pakistani Nili-Ravi water buffalo population that would provide the lot of economic benefits to dairy industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saher Islam
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umesh K. Reddy
- Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Purushothaman Natarajan
- Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Venkata Lakshmi Abburi
- Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Amna Arshad Bajwa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yasir Zahoor
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abdullah
- Department of Livestock Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pattoki, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Mehmood Bukhari
- Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad, District Sahiwal, Pakistan
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Government of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Iqbal
- Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad, District Sahiwal, Pakistan
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Government of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asif Nadeem
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Habibur Rehman
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Shehzad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Raza SHA, Khan S, Amjadi M, Abdelnour SA, Ohran H, Alanazi KM, Abd El-Hack ME, Taha AE, Khan R, Gong C, Schreurs NM, Zhao C, Wei D, Zan L. Genome-wide association studies reveal novel loci associated with carcass and body measures in beef cattle. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 694:108543. [PMID: 32798459 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genomic selection has an essential role in the livestock economy by increasing selection productivity. Genomics provides a mechanism to increase the rate of genetic gain using marker-assisted selection. Various quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with body, carcass and meat quality traits in beef cattle have been found. It is widely accepted that QTL traits in livestock species are regulated by several genes and factors from the environment. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are a powerful approach in identifying QTL and to establish genomic regions harboring the genes and polymorphisms associated with specific characteristics in beef cattle. Due to their impact on economic returns, growth, carcass and meat quality traits of cattle are frequently used as essential criteria in selection in breeding programs., GWAS has been used in beef cattle breeding and genetic program and some progress has been made. Furthermore, numerous genes and markers related to productivity traits in beef cattle have been found. This review summarizes the advances in the use of GWAS in beef cattle production and outlines the associations with growth, carcass, and meat quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Samiullah Khan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Motahareh Amjadi
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sameh A Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Hussien Ohran
- Department of Physiology, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty, Zmajaod Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Khalid M Alanazi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed E Abd El-Hack
- Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ayman E Taha
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22578, Egypt
| | - Rajwali Khan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Cheng Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Nicola M Schreurs
- Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Chunping Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Dawei Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Linsen Zan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; National Beef Cattle Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Aliloo H, Mrode R, Okeyo AM, Gibson JP. Ancestral Haplotype Mapping for GWAS and Detection of Signatures of Selection in Admixed Dairy Cattle of Kenya. Front Genet 2020; 11:544. [PMID: 32582285 PMCID: PMC7296079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic structure of adaptation and productivity in challenging environments is necessary for designing breeding programs that suit such conditions. Crossbred dairy cattle in East Africa resulting from over 60 years of crossing exotic dairy breeds with indigenous cattle plus inter se matings form a highly variable admixed population. This population has been subject to natural selection in response to environmental stresses, such as harsh climate, low-quality feeds, poor management, and strong disease challenge. Here, we combine two complementary sets of analyses, genome-wide association (GWA) and signatures of selection (SoS), to identify genomic regions that contribute to variation in milk yield and/or contribute to adaptation in admixed dairy cattle of Kenya. Our GWA separates SNP effects due to ancestral origin of alleles from effects due to within-population linkage disequilibrium. The results indicate that many genomic regions contributed to the high milk production potential of modern dairy breeds with no region having an exceptional effect. For SoS, we used two haplotype-based tests to compare haplotype length variation within admixed and between admixed and East African Shorthorn Zebu cattle populations. The integrated haplotype score (iHS) analysis identified 16 candidate regions for positive selection in the admixed cattle while the between population Rsb test detected 24 divergently selected regions in the admixed cattle compared to East African Shorthorn Zebu. We compare the results from GWA and SoS in an attempt to validate the most significant SoS results. Only four candidate regions for SoS intersect with GWA regions using a low stringency test. The identified SoS candidate regions harbored genes in several enriched annotation clusters and overlapped with previously found QTLs and associations for different traits in cattle. If validated, the GWA and SoS results indicate potential for SNP-based genomic selection for genetic improvement of smallholder crossbred cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Aliloo
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Raphael Mrode
- Animal Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Animal and Veterinary Science, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - A M Okeyo
- Animal Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John P Gibson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The current livestock management landscape is transitioning to a high-throughput digital era where large amounts of information captured by systems of electro-optical, acoustical, mechanical, and biosensors is stored and analyzed on a daily and hourly basis, and actionable decisions are made based on quantitative and qualitative analytic results. While traditional animal breeding prediction methods have been used with great success until recently, the deluge of information starts to create a computational and storage bottleneck that could lead to negative long-term impacts on herd management strategies if not handled properly. A plethora of machine learning approaches, successfully used in various industrial and scientific applications, made their way in the mainstream approaches for livestock breeding techniques, and current results show that such methods have the potential to match or surpass the traditional approaches, while most of the time they are more scalable from a computational and storage perspective. This article provides a succinct view on what traditional and novel prediction methods are currently used in the livestock breeding field, how successful they are, and how the future of the field looks in the new digital agriculture era.
Collapse
|
26
|
Cui L, Yang B, Pontikos N, Mott R, Huang L. ADDO: a comprehensive toolkit to detect, classify and visualize additive and non-additive quantitative trait loci. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:1517-1521. [PMID: 31764991 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btz786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION During the past decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying complex traits. However, most GWAS focus on additive genetic effects while ignoring non-additive effects, on the assumption that most QTL act additively. Consequently, QTLs driven by dominance and other non-additive effects could be overlooked. RESULTS We developed ADDO, a highly efficient tool to detect, classify and visualize QTLs with additive and non-additive effects. ADDO implements a mixed-model transformation to control for population structure and unequal relatedness that accounts for both additive and dominant genetic covariance among individuals, and decomposes single-nucleotide polymorphism effects as either additive, partial dominant, dominant or over-dominant. A matrix multiplication approach is used to accelerate the computation: a genome scan on 13 million markers from 900 individuals takes about 5 h with 10 CPUs. Analysis of simulated data confirms ADDO's performance on traits with different additive and dominance genetic variance components. We showed two real examples in outbred rat where ADDO identified significant dominant QTL that were not detectable by an additive model. ADDO provides a systematic pipeline to characterize additive and non-additive QTL in whole genome sequence data, which complements current mainstream GWAS software for additive genetic effects. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION ADDO is customizable and convenient to install and provides extensive analytics and visualizations. The package is freely available online at https://github.com/LeileiCui/ADDO. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Genetics Institute.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT.,Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Lusheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Galli G, Alves FC, Morosini JS, Fritsche-Neto R. On the usefulness of parental lines GWAS for predicting low heritability traits in tropical maize hybrids. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228724. [PMID: 32032385 PMCID: PMC7006934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is one of the most popular methods of studying the genetic control of traits. This methodology has been intensely performed on inbred genotypes to identify causal variants. Nonetheless, the lack of covariance between the phenotype of inbred lines and their offspring in cross-pollinated species (such as maize) raises questions on the applicability of these findings in a hybrid breeding context. To address this topic, we incorporated previously reported parental lines GWAS information into the prediction of a low heritability trait in hybrids. This was done by marker-assisted selection based on significant markers identified in the lines and by genomic prediction having these markers as fixed effects. Additive-dominance GWAS of hybrids, a non-conventional procedure, was also performed for comparison purposes. Our results suggest that incorporating information from parental inbred lines GWAS led to decreases in the predictive ability of hybrids. Correspondingly, inbred lines and hybrids-based GWAS yielded different results. These findings do not invalidate GWAS on inbred lines for selection purposes, but mean that it may not be directly useful for hybrid breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Galli
- University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Department of Genetics, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Filipe Couto Alves
- Institute of Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Júlia Silva Morosini
- University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Department of Genetics, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Fritsche-Neto
- University of São Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Department of Genetics, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Davenport KM, Hiemke C, McKay SD, Thorne JW, Lewis RM, Taylor T, Murdoch BM. Genetic structure and admixture in sheep from terminal breeds in the United States. Anim Genet 2020; 51:284-291. [PMID: 31970815 PMCID: PMC7065203 DOI: 10.1111/age.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Selection for performance in diverse production settings has resulted in variation across sheep breeds worldwide. Although sheep are an important species to the United States, the current genetic relationship among many terminal sire breeds is not well characterized. Suffolk, Hampshire, Shropshire and Oxford (terminal) and Rambouillet (dual purpose) sheep (n = 248) sampled from different flocks were genotyped using the Applied Biosystems Axiom Ovine Genotyping Array (50K), and additional Shropshire sheep (n = 26) using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Relationships were investigated by calculating observed heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficients, eigenvalues, pairwise Wright’s FST estimates and an identity by state matrix. The mean observed heterozygosity for each breed ranged from 0.30 to 0.35 and was consistent with data reported in other US and Australian sheep. Suffolk from two different regions of the United States (Midwest and West) clustered separately in eigenvalue plots and the rectangular cladogram. Further, divergence was detected between Suffolk from different regions with Wright’s FST estimate. Shropshire animals showed the greatest divergence from other terminal breeds in this study. Admixture between breeds was examined using admixture, and based on cross‐validation estimates, the best fit number of populations (clusters) was K = 6. The greatest admixture was observed within Hampshire, Suffolk, and Shropshire breeds. When plotting eigenvalues, US terminal breeds clustered separately in comparison with sheep from other locations of the world. Understanding the genetic relationships between terminal sire breeds in sheep will inform us about the potential applicability of markers derived in one breed to other breeds based on relatedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Davenport
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - C Hiemke
- Niman Ranch and Mapleton Mynd Shropshires, Stoughton, MA, 53589, USA
| | - S D McKay
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - J W Thorne
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA.,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, San Angelo, TX, 76901, USA
| | - R M Lewis
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - T Taylor
- Department of Animal Science, Arlington Research Station, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Arlington, WI, 53911, USA
| | - B M Murdoch
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Khayatzadeh N, Mészáros G, Utsunomiya YT, Schmitz-Hsu F, Seefried F, Schnyder U, Ferenčaković M, Garcia JF, Curik I, Sölkner J. Genome-wide mapping of the dominance effects based on breed ancestry for semen traits in admixed Swiss Fleckvieh bulls. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:11217-11224. [PMID: 31548062 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heterosis is the beneficial deviation of crossbred progeny from the average of parental lines for a particular trait. Heterosis is due to nonadditive genetic effects with dominance and epistatic components. Recent advances in genotyping technology have encouraged researchers to estimate and scan heterosis components for a range of traits in crossbred populations, applying various definitions of such components. In this study, we defined the intralocus (dominance) component of heterosis using local genetic ancestry and performed genome-wide association analysis for admixed Swiss Fleckvieh bulls and their parental populations, Red Holstein Friesian and Swiss Simmental, for semen traits. A linear mixed model for 41,824 SNP, including SNP additive genetic, breed additive, and breed dominance effects on 1,178 bulls (148 Red Holstein Friesian, 213 Swiss Simmental, and 817 Swiss Fleckvieh) with a total of 43,782 measurements was performed. In total, 19 significant regions for breed dominance were identified for volume (2 regions on Bos taurus autosome 10 and 22) and percentage of live spermatozoa (17 regions on Bos taurus autosome 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, and 17), and genes associated with spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and male fertility traits were located there. No significant region for breed dominance was detected for total number of spermatozoa. The signals for breed dominance were relatively wide, most likely due to limited numbers of recombination events in a small number of generations (10-15 generations) of crossbreeding in the recent Swiss Fleckvieh composite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Khayatzadeh
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - G Mészáros
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Y T Utsunomiya
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Cinêcias Agrárias Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil 16050-680
| | - F Schmitz-Hsu
- Swissgenetics, Meielenfeldweg 12, Postfach, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - F Seefried
- Qualitas AG, Chamerstrasse 56, Ch-6300, Zug, Switzerland
| | - U Schnyder
- Qualitas AG, Chamerstrasse 56, Ch-6300, Zug, Switzerland
| | - M Ferenčaković
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J F Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Cinêcias Agrárias Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil 16050-680; Departamento de Apoio, Saúde e Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil 16050-680
| | - I Curik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J Sölkner
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|