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Dinon A, Fiorani F, Campero LM, Moore DP, Corva PM. The role of genetic variability of the host on the resistance to Neospora caninum infection in cattle. Anim Genet 2024; 55:304-318. [PMID: 38419150 DOI: 10.1111/age.13410] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the most frequently diagnosed abortifacient pathogens in cattle. There is abundant genomic information about the parasite itself, but very little is known about the genetic variability of resistance in the most common intermediate host. The aim of this review was to compile all the available information about the genetic variability associated with the resistance to N. caninum both between and within cattle breeds. We systematically searched for published studies that investigated the influence of genetics of the host on the prevalence of N. caninum and risk of abortion. Beyond the potential confounding effects of feeding systems, management and animal density, some lines of evidence suggest that Holstein, the most popular breed for milk production, has a comparatively higher risk of abortion due to infections by N. caninum, whereas some beef breeds from Continental Europe seem to be more resistant. It is still not clear if different genetic mechanisms of resistance are involved in the two known routes of infection: postnatal ingestion of oocysts or transplacental transmission from the infected dam to the fetus. Genomic information associated with susceptibility to infection and risk of abortion in different cattle breeds is still scarce. The information reported here could be useful to identify new research alternatives and to define novel strategies to deal with this major problem of animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella Dinon
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía María Campero
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Dadín Prando Moore
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Pablo Marcelo Corva
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
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Reding JJ, van der Westhuizen RR, Berry DP, van Marle-Köster E. Understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms for age at first calving, inter-calving period and scrotal circumference in Bonsmara cattle. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:480. [PMID: 37620802 PMCID: PMC10464233 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09518-8] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproduction is a key feature of the sustainability of a species and thus represents an important component in livestock genetic improvement programs. Most reproductive traits are lowly heritable. In order to gain a better understanding of the underlying genetic basis of these traits, a genome-wide association was conducted for age at first calving (AFC), first inter-calving period (ICP) and scrotal circumference (SC) within the South African Bonsmara breed. Phenotypes and genotypes (120,692 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) post editing) were available on 7,128 South African Bonsmara cattle; the association analyses were undertaken using linear mixed models. RESULTS Genomic restricted maximum likelihood analysis of the 7,128 SA Bonsmara cattle yielded genomic heritability's of 0.183 (SE = 0.021) for AFC, 0.207 (SE = 0.022) for ICP and 0.209 (SE = 0.019) for SC. A total of 16, 23 and 51 suggestive (P ≤ 4 × 10-6) SNPs were associated with AFC, ICP and SC, while 11, 11 and 44 significant (P ≤ 4 × 10-7) SNPs were associated with AFC, ICP and SC respectively. A total of 11 quantitative trait loci (QTL) and 11 candidate genes were co-located with these associated SNPs for AFC, with 10 QTL harbouring 11 candidate genes for ICP and 41 QTL containing 40 candidate genes for SC. The QTL identified were close to genes previously associated with carcass, fertility, growth and milk-related traits. The biological pathways influenced by these genes include carbohydrate catabolic processes, cellular development, iron homeostasis, lipid metabolism and storage, immune response, ovarian follicle development and the regulation of DNA transcription and RNA translation. CONCLUSIONS This was the first attempt to study the underlying polymorphisms associated with reproduction in South African beef cattle. Genes previously reported in cattle breeds for numerous traits bar AFC, ICP or SC were detected in this study. Over 20 different genes have not been previously reported in beef cattle populations and may have been associated due to the unique genetic composite background of the SA Bonsmara breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Reding
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
| | | | - Donagh P Berry
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
- Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
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Machado PC, Brito LF, Martins R, Pinto LFB, Silva MR, Pedrosa VB. Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Novel Loci Related with Visual Score Traits in Nellore Cattle Raised in Pasture-Based Systems. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243526. [PMID: 36552446 PMCID: PMC9774243 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Body conformation traits assessed based on visual scores are widely used in Zebu cattle breeding programs. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and biological pathways associated with body conformation (CONF), finishing precocity (PREC), and muscling (MUSC) in Nellore cattle. The measurements based on visual scores were collected in 20,807 animals raised in pasture-based systems in Brazil. In addition, 2775 animals were genotyped using a 35 K SNP chip, which contained 31,737 single nucleotide polymorphisms after quality control. Single-step GWAS was performed using the BLUPF90 software while candidate genes were identified based on the Ensembl Genes 69. PANTHER and REVIGO platforms were used to identify key biological pathways and STRING to create gene networks. Novel candidate genes were revealed associated with CONF, including ALDH9A1, RXRG, RAB2A, and CYP7A1, involved in lipid metabolism. The genes associated with PREC were ELOVL5, PID1, DNER, TRIP12, and PLCB4, which are related to the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids, lipid metabolism, and muscle differentiation. For MUSC, the most important genes associated with muscle development were SEMA6A, TIAM2, UNC5A, and UIMC1. The polymorphisms identified in this study can be incorporated in commercial genotyping panels to improve the accuracy of genomic evaluations for visual scores in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela C. Machado
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Rafaela Martins
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando B. Pinto
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170-110, BA, Brazil
| | - Marcio R. Silva
- Melhore Animal and Katayama Agropecuaria Lda, Guararapes 16700-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor B. Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Correspondence:
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Dlamini NM, Dzomba EF, Magawana M, Ngcamu S, Muchadeyi FC. Linkage Disequilibrium, Haplotype Block Structures, Effective Population Size and Genome-Wide Signatures of Selection of Two Conservation Herds of the South African Nguni Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162133. [PMID: 36009722 PMCID: PMC9405234 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162133] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nguni cattle of South Africa are a Sanga breed, characterized by many eco-types and research populations that have been established in an effort to conserve the diversity within the breed. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall genetic diversity as well as similarities and differences within and between two conservation herds of the South African Nguni Cattle. Mean LD (r2) estimates were 0.413 ± 0.219 for Bartlow Combine and 0.402 ± 0.209 for Kokstad. Genome-wide average LD (r2) decreased with increasing genetic marker distance for both populations from an average of 0.76 ± 0.28 and 0.77 ± 0.27 at 0–1 kb bin to 0.31 ± 0.13 and 0.32 ± 0.13 at 900–1000 kb bin in Bartlow Combine and Kokstad populations, respectively. Variation in LD levels across autosomes was observed in both populations. The results showed higher levels of LD than previously reported in Nguni field populations and other South African breeds, especially at shorter marker distances of less than 20 kb. A total number of 77,305 and 66,237 haplotype blocks covering a total of 1570.09 Mb (61.99% genome coverage) and 1367.42 Mb (53.96% genome coverage) were detected in Bartlow Combine and Kokstad populations, respectively. A total of 18,449 haploblocks were shared between the two populations while 58,856 and 47,788 haploblocks were unique to Bartlow Combine and Kokstad populations, respectively. Effective population size (Ne) results demonstrated a rapid decrease in Ne across generations for both Bartlow Combine and Kokstad conservation herds. Two complementary methods, integrated haplotype score (iHS) and Extend Haplotype Homozygosity Test (XP-EHH), were implemented in this study to detect the selection signatures in the two herds. A total of 553 and 166 selected regions were identified in Bartlow Combine and Kokstad populations, respectively. DAVID and GO terms analysis of the regions under selection reported genes/QTLs associated with fertility, carcass weight, coat colour, immune response, and eye area pigmentation. Some genes, such as HCAR1, GNAI1, PIK3R3, WNT3, RAB5A, BOLA-N (Class IB MHC Antigen QA-2-Related), BOLA (Class IB MHC Antigen QA-2-Related), and Rab-8B, etc., were found in regions under selection in this study. Overall, the study implied reduced genetic diversity in the two herds calling for corrective measures to maintain the diversity of the South African Nguni cattle. This study presented a comprehensive analysis of the genomic architecture of South African Nguni cattle populations, providing essential genetic information of utility in the management of conservation flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njabulo M. Dlamini
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa or
- Agricultural Research Council, Biotechnology Platform, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Edgar F. Dzomba
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa or
| | - Mpumelelo Magawana
- KZN Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa
| | - Sphamandla Ngcamu
- KZN Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa
| | - Farai C. Muchadeyi
- Agricultural Research Council, Biotechnology Platform, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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King F, Visser C, Banga C. Genetic characterization of Mozambican Nguni cattle and their relationship with indigenous populations of South Africa. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhang S, Yao Z, Li X, Zhang Z, Liu X, Yang P, Chen N, Xia X, Lyu S, Shi Q, Wang E, Ru B, Jiang Y, Lei C, Chen H, Huang Y. Assessing genomic diversity and signatures of selection in Pinan cattle using whole-genome sequencing data. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:460. [PMID: 35729510 PMCID: PMC9215082 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crossbreeding is an important way to improve production beef cattle performance. Pinan cattle is a new hybrid cattle obtained from crossing Piedmontese bulls with Nanyang cows. After more than 30 years of cross-breeding, Pinan cattle show a variety of excellent characteristics, including fast growth, early onset of puberty, and good meat quality. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, and genomic region under the selection of Pinan cattle based on whole-genome sequencing data of 30 Pinan cattle and 169 published cattle genomic data worldwide. RESULTS: Estimating ancestry composition analysis showed that the composition proportions for our Pinan cattle were mainly Piedmontese and a small amount of Nanyang cattle. The analyses of nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium decay indicated that the genomic diversity of Pinan cattle was higher than that of European cattle and lower than that of Chinese indigenous cattle. De-correlated composite of multiple selection signals, which combines four different statistics including θπ, CLR, FST, and XP-EHH, was computed to detect the signatures of selection in the Pinan cattle genome. A total of 83 genes were identified, affecting many economically important traits. Functional annotation revealed that these selected genes were related to immune (BOLA-DQA2, BOLA-DQB, LSM14A, SEC13, and NAALADL2), growth traits (CYP4A11, RPL26, and MYH10), embryo development (REV3L, NT5E, CDX2, KDM6B, and ADAMTS9), hornless traits (C1H21orf62), and climate adaptation (ANTXR2). CONCLUSION In this paper, we elucidated the genomic characteristics, ancestry composition, and selective signals related to important economic traits in Pinan cattle. These results will provide the basis for further genetic improvement of Pinan cattle and reference for other hybrid cattle related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunjin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Henan Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Zhengzhou Henan, 450008, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ningbo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoting Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shijie Lyu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Qiaoting Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Eryao Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou Henan, 450002, China
| | - Baorui Ru
- Henan Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Zhengzhou Henan, 450008, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yongzhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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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.
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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,
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Lai E, Danner AL, Famula TR, Oberbauer AM. Pleiotropic Loci Associated With Foot Disorders and Common Periparturient Diseases in Holstein Cattle. Front Genet 2021; 12:742934. [PMID: 34938311 PMCID: PMC8685441 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.742934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness is an animal welfare issue that incurs substantial financial and environmental costs. This condition is commonly caused by digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulcers (SU), and white line disease (WLD). Susceptibility to these three foot disorders is due in part to genetics, indicating that genomic selection against these foot lesions can be used to reduce lameness prevalence. It is unclear whether selection against foot lesions will lead to increased susceptibility to other common diseases such as mastitis and metritis. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the genetic correlation between causes of lameness and other common health disorders to identify loci contributing to the correlation. Genetic correlation estimates between SU and DD and between SU and WLD were significantly different from zero (p < 0.05), whereas estimates between DD and mastitis, DD and milk fever, and SU and metritis were suggestive (p < 0.1). All five of these genetic correlation estimates were positive. Two-trait genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for each of these five pairs of traits revealed common regions of association on BTA1 and BTA8 for pairs that included DD or SU as one of the traits, respectively. Other regions of association were unique to the pair of traits and not observed in GWAS for other pairs of traits. The positive genetic correlation estimates between foot disorders and other health disorders imply that selection against foot disorders may also decrease susceptibility to other health disorders. Linkage disequilibrium blocks defined around significant and suggestive SNPs from the two-trait GWAS included genes and QTL that were functionally relevant, supporting that these regions included pleiotropic loci.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anita M. Oberbauer
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Serranito B, Taurisson-Mouret D, Harkat S, Laoun A, Ouchene-Khelifi NA, Pompanon F, Benjelloun B, Cecchi G, Thevenon S, Lenstra JA, Da Silva A. Search for Selection Signatures Related to Trypanosomosis Tolerance in African Goats. Front Genet 2021; 12:715732. [PMID: 34413881 PMCID: PMC8369930 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.715732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock is heavily affected by trypanosomosis in Africa. Through strong selective pressure, several African indigenous breeds of cattle and small ruminants have acquired varying degrees of tolerance against this disease. In this study, we combined LFMM and PCAdapt for analyzing two datasets of goats from West-Central Africa and East Africa, respectively, both comprising breeds with different assumed levels of trypanotolerance. The objectives were (i) to identify molecular signatures of selection related to trypanotolerance; and (ii) to guide an optimal sampling for subsequent studies. From 33 identified signatures, 18 had been detected previously in the literature as being mainly associated with climatic adaptations. The most plausible signatures of trypanotolerance indicate the genes DIS3L2, COPS7B, PD5A, UBE2K, and UBR1. The last gene is of particular interest since previous literature has already identified E3-ubiquitin ligases as playing a decisive role in the immune response. For following-up on these findings, the West-Central African area appears particularly relevant because of (i) a clear parasitic load gradient related to a humidity gradient, and (ii) still restricted admixture levels between goat breeds. This study illustrates the importance of protecting local breeds, which have retained unique allelic combinations conferring their remarkable adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Serranito
- Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CRESCO, Dinard, France
- University of Limoges, PEREINE, E2LIM, Limoges, France
| | | | - Sahraoui Harkat
- Science Veterinary Institute, University of Blida, Blida, Algeria
| | | | | | - François Pompanon
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Grenoble, France
| | - Badr Benjelloun
- National Institute of Agronomic Research, Regional Centre of Agronomic Research, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Giuliano Cecchi
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Thevenon
- CIRAD, UMR INTERTRYP, Montpellier, France
- INTERTRYP, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Anne Da Silva
- University of Limoges, PEREINE, E2LIM, Limoges, France
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Genome-Wide Association Study Using Whole-Genome Sequence Data for Fertility, Health Indicator, and Endoparasite Infection Traits in German Black Pied Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081163. [PMID: 34440337 PMCID: PMC8391191 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This genome-wide association study (GWAS) aimed to identify sequence variants (SVs) and candidate genes associated with fertility and health in endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN) based on whole-genome sequence (WGS) data. We used 304 sequenced DSN cattle for the imputation of 1797 genotyped DSN to WGS. The final dataset included 11,413,456 SVs of 1886 cows. Cow traits were calving-to-first service interval (CTFS), non-return after 56 days (NR56), somatic cell score (SCS), fat-to-protein ratio (FPR), and three pre-corrected endoparasite infection traits. We identified 40 SVs above the genome-wide significance and suggestive threshold associated with CTFS and NR56, and three important potential candidate genes (ARHGAP21, MARCH11, and ZNF462). For SCS, most associations were observed on BTA 25. The GWAS revealed 61 SVs, a cluster of 10 candidate genes on BTA 13, and 7 pathways for FPR, including key mediators involved in milk fat synthesis. The strongest associations for gastrointestinal nematode and Dictyocaulus viviparus infections were detected on BTA 8 and 24, respectively. For Fasciola hepatica infections, the strongest associated SVs were located on BTA 4 and 7. We detected 200 genes for endoparasite infection traits, related to 16 pathways involved in host immune response during infection.
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Lai E, Danner AL, Famula TR, Oberbauer AM. Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Susceptibility Loci for Noninfectious Claw Lesions in Holstein Dairy Cattle. Front Genet 2021; 12:657375. [PMID: 34122511 PMCID: PMC8194352 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.657375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sole ulcers (SUs) and white line disease (WLD) are two common noninfectious claw lesions (NICL) that arise due to a compromised horn production and are frequent causes of lameness in dairy cattle, imposing welfare and profitability concerns. Low to moderate heritability estimates of SU and WLD susceptibility indicate that genetic selection could reduce their prevalence. To identify the susceptibility loci for SU, WLD, SU and/or WLD, and any type of noninfectious claw lesion, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) regression, chunk-based association testing (CBAT), and a random forest (RF) approach. Cows from five commercial dairies in California were classified as controls having no lameness records and ≥6 years old (n = 102) or cases having SU (n = 152), WLD (n = 117), SU and/or WLD (SU + WLD, n = 198), or any type of noninfectious claw lesion (n = 217). The top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were defined as those passing the Bonferroni-corrected suggestive and significance thresholds in the GLMM analysis or those that a validated RF model considered important. Effects of the top SNPs were quantified using Bayesian estimation. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks defined by the top SNPs were explored for candidate genes and previously identified, functionally relevant quantitative trait loci. The GLMM and CBAT approaches revealed the same regions of association on BTA8 for SU and BTA13 common to WLD, SU + WLD, and NICL. These SNPs had effects significantly different from zero, and the LD blocks they defined explained a significant amount of phenotypic variance for each dataset (6.1-8.1%, p < 0.05), indicating the small but notable contribution of these regions to susceptibility. These regions contained candidate genes involved in wound healing, skin lesions, bone growth and mineralization, adipose tissue, and keratinization. The LD block defined by the most significant SNP on BTA8 for SU included a SNP previously associated with SU. The RF models were overfitted, indicating that the SNP effects were very small, thereby preventing meaningful interpretation of SNPs and any downstream analyses. These findings suggested that variants associated with various physiological systems may contribute to susceptibility for NICL, demonstrating the complexity of genetic predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Lai
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexa L Danner
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Thomas R Famula
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anita M Oberbauer
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Genome-wide insights on gastrointestinal nematode resistance in autochthonous Tunisian sheep. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9250. [PMID: 33927253 PMCID: PMC8085236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88501-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have negative impacts on animal health, welfare and production. Information from molecular studies can highlight the underlying genetic mechanisms that enhance host resistance to GIN. However, such information often lacks for traditionally managed indigenous livestock. Here, we analysed 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes of GIN infected and non-infected traditionally managed autochthonous Tunisian sheep grazing communal natural pastures. Population structure analysis did not find genetic differentiation that is consistent with infection status. However, by contrasting the infected versus non-infected cohorts using ROH, LR-GWAS, FST and XP-EHH, we identified 35 candidate regions that overlapped between at least two methods. Nineteen regions harboured QTLs for parasite resistance, immune capacity and disease susceptibility and, ten regions harboured QTLs for production (growth) and meat and carcass (fatness and anatomy) traits. The analysis also revealed candidate regions spanning genes enhancing innate immune defence (SLC22A4, SLC22A5, IL-4, IL-13), intestinal wound healing/repair (IL-4, VIL1, CXCR1, CXCR2) and GIN expulsion (IL-4, IL-13). Our results suggest that traditionally managed indigenous sheep have evolved multiple strategies that evoke and enhance GIN resistance and developmental stability. They confirm the importance of obtaining information from indigenous sheep to investigate genomic regions of functional significance in understanding the architecture of GIN resistance.
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Genetic diversity and population structure of three native cattle populations in Mozambique. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:117. [PMID: 33438116 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, the population diversity and structure of three populations of native Mozambican cattle were studied, to develop knowledge that is required for sound conservation and genetic improvement programs of these genetic resources. A total of 228 animals (Landim, Angone, and Tete) were genotyped using the International Dairy and Beef version three (IDBV3) SNP BeadChip array. Population parameters varied within a limited scope, with the average minor allele frequency (MAF) ranging from 0.228 ± 0.154 in the Angone to 0.245 ± 0.145 in the Tete population, while estimates of expected heterozygosities varied from 0.304 ± 0.166 in the Angone to 0.329 ± 0.148 in the Tete population. Low positive (0.065 ± 0.109) inbreeding rates were detected in the three cattle groups. Population structure and admixture analyses indicated low genetic differentiation and various degrees of admixture among the populations. The effective population size has decreased over time and at 12 generations ago ranged between 349 (Tete) and 929 (Landim). The average linkage disequilibrium (LD) of the studied populations ranged from 0.400 ± 0.213 (Tete) to 0.434 ± 0.232 (Landim). The findings of this study will be valuable for formulating management and conservation strategies for indigenous Mozambican cattle populations.
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Abstract
The objectives of the current study were to detect putative genomic loci and to identify candidate genes associated with milk production traits in Egyptian buffalo. A total number of 161 479 daily milk yield (DMY) records and 60 318 monthly measures for fat and protein percentages (FP and PP, respectively), along with fat and protein yields (FY and PY, respectively) from 1670 animals were used. Genotyping was performed using Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90 K array. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for each trait was performed using PLINK. After Bonferroni correction, 47 SNPs were associated with one or more milk production traits. These SNPs were distributed over 36 quantitative trait loci (QTL) and located on 20 buffalo chromosomes (BBU). For the 47 SNPs, one was overlapped for three traits (DMY, FY, and PY), six were associated with two traits (one for PP and PY and five for FY and PY) while the rest were associated with only one trait. Out of 36 identified QTL, eleven were overlapped with previously reported loci in buffalo and/or cattle populations. Some of these SNPs are placed within or close to potential candidate genes, for example: TPD52, ZBTB10, RALYL and SNX16 on BBU15, ADGRD1 on BBU17, ESRRG on BBU5 and GRIP1 on BBU4. This is the first reported study between genome-wide markers and milk components in Egyptian buffalo. Our findings provide useful information to explore the genetic mechanisms and relevant genes contributing to the variation in milk production traits. Further confirmation studies with larger population size are necessary to validate the findings and detect the causal genetic variants.
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Vanvanhossou SFU, Scheper C, Dossa LH, Yin T, Brügemann K, König S. A multi-breed GWAS for morphometric traits in four Beninese indigenous cattle breeds reveals loci associated with conformation, carcass and adaptive traits. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:783. [PMID: 33176675 PMCID: PMC7656759 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific adaptive features including disease resistance and growth abilities in harsh environments are attributed to indigenous cattle breeds of Benin, but these breeds are endangered due to crossbreeding. So far, there is a lack of systematic trait recording, being the basis for breed characterizations, and for structured breeding program designs aiming on conservation. Bridging this gap, own phenotyping for morphological traits considered measurements for height at withers (HAW), sacrum height (SH), heart girth (HG), hip width (HW), body length (BL) and ear length (EL), including 449 cattle from the four indigenous Benin breeds Lagune, Somba, Borgou and Pabli. In order to utilize recent genomic tools for breed characterizations and genetic evaluations, phenotypes for novel traits were merged with high-density SNP marker data. Multi-breed genetic parameter estimations and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the six morphometric traits were carried out. Continuatively, we aimed on inferring genomic regions and functional loci potentially associated with conformation, carcass and adaptive traits. RESULTS SNP-based heritability estimates for the morphometric traits ranged between 0.46 ± 0.14 (HG) and 0.74 ± 0.13 (HW). Phenotypic and genetic correlations ranged from 0.25 ± 0.05 (HW-BL) to 0.89 ± 0.01 (HAW-SH), and from 0.14 ± 0.10 (HW-BL) to 0.85 ± 0.02 (HAW-SH), respectively. Three genome-wide and 25 chromosome-wide significant SNP positioned on different chromosomes were detected, located in very close chromosomal distance (±25 kb) to 15 genes (or located within the genes). The genes PIK3R6 and PIK3R1 showed direct functional associations with height and body size. We inferred the potential candidate genes VEPH1, CNTNAP5, GYPC for conformation, growth and carcass traits including body weight and body fat deposition. According to their functional annotations, detected potential candidate genes were associated with stress or immune response (genes PTAFR, PBRM1, ADAMTS12) and with feed efficiency (genes MEGF11 SLC16A4, CCDC117). CONCLUSIONS Accurate measurements contributed to large SNP heritabilities for some morphological traits, even for a small mixed-breed sample size. Multi-breed GWAS detected different loci associated with conformation or carcass traits. The identified potential candidate genes for immune response or feed efficiency indicators reflect the evolutionary development and adaptability features of the breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carsten Scheper
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Luc Hippolyte Dossa
- School of Science and Technics of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Tong Yin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Brügemann
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
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Lai E, Danner AL, Famula TR, Oberbauer AM. Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Susceptibility Loci for Digital Dermatitis in Holstein Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112009. [PMID: 33142934 PMCID: PMC7693332 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) causes lameness in dairy cattle. To detect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with DD, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and binary case/control, quantitative (average number of FW per hoof trimming record) and recurrent (cases with ≥2 DD episodes vs. controls) phenotypes from cows across four dairies (controls n = 129 vs. FW n = 85). Linear mixed model (LMM) and random forest (RF) approaches identified the top SNPs, which were used as predictors in Bayesian regression models to assess the SNP predictive value. The LMM and RF analyses identified QTL regions containing candidate genes on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 2 for the binary and recurrent phenotypes and BTA7 and 20 for the quantitative phenotype that related to epidermal integrity, immune function, and wound healing. Although larger sample sizes are necessary to reaffirm these small effect loci amidst a strong environmental effect, the sample cohort used in this study was sufficient for estimating SNP effects with a high predictive value.
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Mas-Coma S, Buchon P, Funatsu IR, Angles R, Artigas P, Valero MA, Bargues MD. Sheep and Cattle Reservoirs in the Highest Human Fascioliasis Hyperendemic Area: Experimental Transmission Capacity, Field Epidemiology, and Control Within a One Health Initiative in Bolivia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:583204. [PMID: 33195605 PMCID: PMC7655135 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.583204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Northern Bolivian Altiplano is the human fascioliasis hyperendemic area where the highest prevalences and intensities of infection by Fasciola hepatica in humans have been reported. Four animal species are the reservoir species for F. hepatica in this area, namely, sheep, cattle, pigs, and donkeys. Livestock for the Aymara inhabitants is crucial because vegetable cultures are not viable due to the inhospitality of the very high altitude of 3,820-4,100 m. A One Health initiative has been implemented in this area in recent years, as the first such control action in a human endemic area ever. Among the different control axes included, special focus is devoted to the two main reservoirs sheep and cattle. Egg embryonation, miracidial infectivity, intramolluscan development, cercarial production, infected snail survival, and metacercarial infectivity were experimentally studied in altiplanic sheep and cattle isolates. These laboratory studies were performed using altiplanic isolates of the lymnaeid species Galba truncatula, the only vector present in the hyperendemic area. Experiments were made at constant 12 h day/12 h night and varying 20/20°C and 22/5°C photoperiods. Infections were implemented using mono-, bi-, and trimiracidial doses. Results demonstrate that sheep and cattle have the capacity to assure F. hepatica transmission in this very high-altitude area. Field surveys included prevalence studies by coprology on fecal samples from 1,202 sheep and 2,690 cattle collected from different zones of the Northern Bolivian Altiplano. Prevalences were pronouncedly higher and more homogeneous in sheep (63.1%; range: 38.9-68.5%) than in cattle (20.6%; range: 8.2-43.3%) in each one of the different zones. Although similarities between the prevalences in sheep and cattle appeared in the zones of the highest and lowest infection rates, this disappeared in the other zones due to cattle treatments. Comparison with past surveys demonstrates that this hyperendemic area is stable from the disease transmission point of view. Therefore, the control design should prioritize sheep and cattle within the One Health action. Studies performed in the Bolivian Altiplano furnish a baseline for future initiatives to assess the transmission and epidemiological characteristics of fascioliasis in the way for its control in other high altitude Andean endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paola Buchon
- Unidad de Limnología, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Ilra R Funatsu
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rene Angles
- Cátedra de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Patricio Artigas
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Adela Valero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Dolores Bargues
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Nugroho W, Aditya S, Swastomo R, Aulanni'am A. Productivity, absence of a bull and endoparasitic nematodiosis in beef cattle farms in an upland area of East Java, Indonesia. Vet World 2020; 13:1982-1987. [PMID: 33132614 PMCID: PMC7566263 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1982-1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Cattle are an important economic asset for the rural community in East Java Province, Indonesia. The study aimed to provide updated data of cattle farm demography, productivity, as well as the role of the absence of a bull and nematodiosis in reduced productivity of beef cattle in an upland rural area of the province. Materials and Methods The study was conducted in Sukowono village, Bondowoso region. A Census survey was conducted to collect data through interviews with farmers. Further, 102 fecal samples were taken systematically and processed using a double centrifugation method to investigate the endoparasitic nematodiosis in the cattle population. The demographic data, productivity, and nematodiosis were analyzed descriptively. The difference between proportions was analyzed using Chi-square with 95% confidence limit. The associations were described in risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The total cattle population was 814 heads; the range of farm size was 1-7 (median: 2) cattle. Female cattle comprised 81.8% (666/814) of the cattle population but, only 5.5% (23/422) farmers kept both bull and mature female cattle. Pregnancy rate was 26.8% (145/542) of mature female cattle. The delayed first calving time appeared in 24.8% (62/250) of heifers and calving interval of >14 months occurred in 83.2% (149/179) of multiparous cows. The prevalence of endoparasitic nematodiosis was 43.1% (44/102, 95%, CI: 38.1-52.1%). Either the absence of the bull or the nematodiosis did not associate with pregnancy rate or calving interval of cows. Conclusion This study indicates that the productivity of the cattle in the study area was low but may not associate with the absence of a bull or nematodiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widi Nugroho
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, 65151, Indonesia
| | - Siska Aditya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, 65151, Indonesia
| | - Rahadi Swastomo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, 65151, Indonesia
| | - Aulanni'am Aulanni'am
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, 65145, Indonesia
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Chen SY, Oliveira HR, Schenkel FS, Pedrosa VB, Melka MG, Brito LF. Using imputed whole-genome sequence variants to uncover candidate mutations and genes affecting milking speed and temperament in Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10383-10398. [PMID: 32952011 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Milking speed (MS) and temperament (MT) are 2 workability traits of great importance in dairy cattle production and breeding. This is mainly due to an increased intensification of the worldwide production systems and greater adoption of precision technologies with less human-cattle interaction. Both MS and MT are heritable traits and thus, genomic selection is a promising tool to expedite their genetic progress. However, the genetic architecture and biological mechanisms underlying the phenotypic expression of these traits remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the association of >5.7 million imputed whole-genome sequence variants with MT and MS in 4,381 and 4,219 North American Holstein cattle, respectively. The statistical analyses were performed using a mixed linear model fitting a polygenic effect. We detected 40 and 35 significant SNPs independently associated with MT and MS, respectively, which were distributed across 26 chromosomes. Eight candidate genes (GRIN3A, KCNJ3, BOSTAUV1R417, BOSTAUV1R419, MAP2K5, KCTD3, GAP43, and LSAMP) were suggested to play an important role in MT as they are involved in biologically relevant pathways, such as glutamatergic synapse, vomeronasal receptor and oxytocin signaling. Within their coding and upstream sequences, we used an independent data set to further detect or validate significantly differentiated SNP between cattle breeds with known differences in MT. There were fewer candidate genes potentially implicated in MS, but immunity-related genes (e.g., BOLA-NC1 and LOC512672), also identified in other populations, were validated in this study. The significant SNP and novel candidate genes identified contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying both traits in dairy cattle. This information will also be useful for the optimization of prediction of genomic breeding values by giving greater weights to SNP located in the genomic regions identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Hinayah R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907; Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Flavio S Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Victor B Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, 84030-900, Brazil
| | - Melkaye G Melka
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin River Falls, 54022
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907.
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Mastrangelo S, Ben Jemaa S, Ciani E, Sottile G, Moscarelli A, Boussaha M, Montedoro M, Pilla F, Cassandro M. Genome-wide detection of signatures of selection in three Valdostana cattle populations. J Anim Breed Genet 2020; 137:609-621. [PMID: 32219904 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Valdostana is a local dual purpose cattle breed developed in Italy. Three populations are recognized within this breed, based on coat colour, production level, morphology and temperament: Valdostana Red Pied (VPR), Valdostana Black Pied (VPN) and Valdostana Chestnut (VCA). Here, we investigated putative genomic regions under selection among these three populations using the Bovine 50K SNP array by combining three different statistical methods based either on allele frequencies (FST ) or extended haplotype homozygosity (iHS and Rsb). In total, 8, 5 and 8 chromosomes harbouring 13, 13 and 16 genomic regions potentially under selection were identified by at least two approaches in VPR, VPN and VCA, respectively. Most of these candidate regions were population-specific but we found one common genomic region spanning 2.38 Mb on BTA06 which either overlaps or is located close to runs of homozygosity islands detected in the three populations. This region included inter alia two well-known genes: KDR, a well-established coat colour gene, and CLOCK, which plays a central role in positive regulation of inflammatory response and in the regulation of the mammalian circadian rhythm. The other candidate regions identified harboured genes associated mainly with milk and meat traits as well as genes involved in immune response/inflammation or associated with behavioural traits. This last category of genes was mainly identified in VCA, which is selected for fighting ability. Overall, our results provide, for the first time, a glimpse into regions of the genome targeted by selection in Valdostana cattle. Finally, this study illustrates the relevance of using multiple complementary approaches to identify genomic regions putatively under selection in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Mastrangelo
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Slim Ben Jemaa
- Laboratoire des Productions Animales et Fourragères, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie, Université de Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Elena Ciani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze Biotecnologie e Biofarmaceutica, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sottile
- Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angelo Moscarelli
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mekki Boussaha
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marina Montedoro
- Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rivolta d'Adda, Italy
| | - Fabio Pilla
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Martino Cassandro
- Dipartimento di Agronomia Animali Alimenti Risorse naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
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Grigoletto L, Brito LF, Mattos EC, Eler JP, Bussiman FO, Silva BDCA, da Silva RP, Carvalho FE, Berton MP, Baldi F, Ferraz JBS. Genome-wide associations and detection of candidate genes for direct and maternal genetic effects influencing growth traits in the Montana Tropical® Composite population. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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May K, Weimann C, Scheper C, Strube C, König S. Allele substitution and dominance effects of CD166/ALCAM gene polymorphisms for endoparasite resistance and test-day traits in a small cattle population using logistic regression analyses. Mamm Genome 2019; 30:301-317. [PMID: 31650268 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09818-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) gene on liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infections (FH-INF), gastrointestinal nematode infections (GIN-INF) and disease indicator traits [e.g. somatic cell score (SCS), fat-to-protein ratio (FPR)] in German dual-purpose cattle (DSN). A genome-wide association study inferred the chip SNP ALCAMc.73+32791A>G as a candidate for F. hepatica resistance in DSN. Because of the crucial function of ALCAM in immune responses, SNPs in the gene might influence further resistance and performance traits. Causal mutations were identified in exon 9 (ALCAMc.1017T>C) and intron 9 (ALCAMc.1104+10T>A, ALCAMc.1104+85T>C) in a selective subset of 94 DSN cows. We applied logistic regression analyses for the association between SNP genotypes with residuals for endoparasite traits (rINF-FH, rGIN-INF) and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for test-day traits. The probability of the heterozygous genotype was estimated in dependency of the target trait. Allele substitution effects for rFH-INF were significant for all four loci. The T allele of the SNPs ALCAMc.1017T>C and ALCAMc.1104+85T>C was the favourable allele when improving resistance against FH-INF. Significant allele substitution for rGIN-INF was only found for the chip SNP ALCAMc.73+32791A>G. We identified significant associations between the SNPs with EBVs for milk fat%, protein% and FPR. Dominance effects for the EBVs of test-day traits ranged from 0.00 to 0.47 SD and were in the direction of improved resistance for rFH-INF. We estimated favourable dominance effects from same genotypes for rFH-INF and FPR, but dominance effects were antagonistic between rFH-INF and SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christina Weimann
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carsten Scheper
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Center for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
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Population structure and breed composition prediction in a multi-breed sheep population using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes. Animal 2019; 14:464-474. [PMID: 31610818 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119002398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of population structure and breed composition of a population can be advantageous for a number of reasons; these include designing optimal (cross)breeding strategies in order to maximise non-additive genetic effects, maintaining flockbook integrity by authenticating animals being registered and as a quality control measure in the genotyping process. The objectives of the present study were to 1) describe the population structure of 24 sheep breeds, 2) quantify the breed composition of both flockbook-recorded and crossbred animals using single nucleotide polymorphism BLUP (SNP-BLUP), and 3) quantify the accuracy of breed composition prediction from low-density genotype panels containing between 2000 and 6000 SNPs. In total, 9334 autosomal SNPs on 11 144 flockbook-recorded animals and 1172 crossbred animals were used. The population structure of all breeds was characterised by principal component analysis (PCA) as well as the pairwise breed fixation index (Fst). The total number of animals, all of which were purebred, included in the calibration population for SNP-BLUP was 2579 with the number of animals per breed ranging from 9 to 500. The remaining 9559 flockbook-recorded animals, composite breeds and crossbred animals represented the test population; three breeds were excluded from breed composition prediction. The breed composition predicted using SNP-BLUP with 9334 SNPs was considered the gold standard prediction. The pairwise breed Fst ranged from 0.040 (between the Irish Blackface and Scottish Blackface) to 0.282 (between the Border Leicester and Suffolk). Principal component analysis revealed that the Suffolk from Ireland and the Suffolk from New Zealand formed distinct, non-overlapping clusters. In contrast, the Texel from Ireland and that from New Zealand formed integrated, overlapping clusters. Composite animals such as the Belclare clustered close to its founder breeds (i.e., Finn, Galway, Lleyn and Texel). When all 9334 SNPs were used to predict breed composition, an animal that had a majority breed proportion predicted to be ≥0.90 was defined as purebred for the present study. As the panel density decreased, the predicted breed proportion threshold, used to identify animals as purebred, also decreased (≥0.85 with 6000 SNPs to ≥0.60 with 2000 SNPs). In all, results from the study suggest that breed composition for purebred and crossbred animals can be determined with SNP-BLUP using ≥5000 SNPs.
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