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Behren LE, König S, May K. Genomic Selection for Dairy Cattle Behaviour Considering Novel Traits in a Changing Technical Production Environment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1933. [PMID: 37895282 PMCID: PMC10606080 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101933] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cow behaviour is a major factor influencing dairy herd profitability and is an indicator of animal welfare and disease. Behaviour is a complex network of behavioural patterns in response to environmental and social stimuli and human handling. Advances in agricultural technology have led to changes in dairy cow husbandry systems worldwide. Increasing herd sizes, less time availability to take care of the animals and modern technology such as automatic milking systems (AMSs) imply limited human-cow interactions. On the other hand, cow behaviour responses to the technical environment (cow-AMS interactions) simultaneously improve production efficiency and welfare and contribute to simplified "cow handling" and reduced labour time. Automatic milking systems generate objective behaviour traits linked to workability, milkability and health, which can be implemented into genomic selection tools. However, there is insufficient understanding of the genetic mechanisms influencing cow learning and social behaviour, in turn affecting herd management, productivity and welfare. Moreover, physiological and molecular biomarkers such as heart rate, neurotransmitters and hormones might be useful indicators and predictors of cow behaviour. This review gives an overview of published behaviour studies in dairy cows in the context of genetics and genomics and discusses possibilities for breeding approaches to achieve desired behaviour in a technical production environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Elisabeth Behren
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Marrella MA, Biase FH. A multi-omics analysis identifies molecular features associated with fertility in heifers (Bos taurus). Sci Rep 2023; 13:12664. [PMID: 37542054 PMCID: PMC10403585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39858-0] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility or subfertility is a critical barrier to sustainable cattle production, including in heifers. The development of heifers that do not produce a calf within an optimum window of time is a critical factor for the profitability and sustainability of the cattle industry. In parallel, heifers are an excellent biomedical model for understanding the underlying etiology of infertility because well-nourished heifers can still be infertile, mostly because of inherent physiological and genetic causes. Using a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip, we collected genotypic data, which were analyzed using an association analysis in PLINK with Fisher's exact test. We also produced quantitative transcriptome data and proteome data. Transcriptome data were analyzed using the quasi-likelihood test followed by the Wald's test, and the likelihood test and proteome data were analyzed using a generalized mixed model and Student's t-test. We identified two SNPs significantly associated with heifer fertility (rs110918927, chr12: 85648422, P = 6.7 × 10-7; and rs109366560, chr11:37666527, P = 2.6 × 10-5). We identified two genes with differential transcript abundance (eFDR ≤ 0.002) between the two groups (Fertile and Sub-Fertile): Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Associated Protein (APMAP, 1.16 greater abundance in the Fertile group) and Dynein Axonemal Intermediate Chain 7 (DNAI7, 1.23 greater abundance in the Sub-Fertile group). Our analysis revealed that the protein Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase FTO was more abundant in the plasma collected from Fertile heifers relative to their Sub-Fertile counterparts (FDR < 0.05). Lastly, an integrative analysis of the three datasets identified a series of molecular features (SNPs, gene transcripts, and proteins) that discriminated 21 out of 22 heifers correctly based on their fertility category. Our multi-omics analyses confirm the complex nature of female fertility. Very importantly, our results also highlight differences in the molecular profile of heifers associated with fertility that transcend the constraints of breed-specific genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie A Marrella
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Fernando H Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Nevard RP, Pant SD, Broster JC, Norman ST, Stephen CP. Maternal Behavior in Beef Cattle: The Physiology, Assessment and Future Directions-A Review. Vet Sci 2022; 10:vetsci10010010. [PMID: 36669011 PMCID: PMC9863767 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine maternal behavior is known to be influenced by a variety of factors including hormonal mediation, breed, age, parity, host genetics and general management practices. Following centuries of varying levels of domestication processes, the behavior of the bovine cow has altered from that of her original wild ungulate ancestors, although many maternal instincts have remained unchanged. The influence of maternal behavior on calf health and performance is of interest to cow-calf beef production operations, as in most instances, the cow is solely responsible for rearing the calf until weaning. However, investigating the magnitude of this influence is challenging, in part because objective measurement of behavioral traits is difficult, particularly in extensive settings. In recent years, while a number of remote monitoring devices have been developed that afford opportunities for objective measurement of behavioral traits in livestock, characterization of physiological mechanisms that underlie superior maternal behavior, including identification of potential biomarkers remains elusive in cattle. Hormonal profiles during the periparturient period have been shown to influence behavioral patterns in both current and future generations in other mammalian species and may provide insights into the physiology of bovine maternal behavior. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe general characteristics of bovine maternal behavior and the factors known to influence it, including hormonal drivers, through which cross-reference to other species is made. Current methods of measuring and assessing behavior that may also be applicable to most production settings have also been reviewed. At present, there is no known hormonal assay that can be used to measure and/or reliably predict bovine maternal behavior post-calving or across generations. Being able to objectively assess superior maternal behavior, whether that be through remote monitoring, hormonal profiling or indirectly through measuring calf performance will be beneficial to livestock industries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory P. Nevard
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.P.N.); (C.P.S.)
| | - Sameer D. Pant
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - John C. Broster
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Scott T. Norman
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Kallangur Veterinary Surgery, Kallangur, QLD 4503, Australia
| | - Cyril P. Stephen
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.P.N.); (C.P.S.)
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Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Miller SP, Silva FF, Brito LF. Genetic Modeling and Genomic Analyses of Yearling Temperament in American Angus Cattle and Its Relationship With Productive Efficiency and Resilience Traits. Front Genet 2022; 13:794625. [PMID: 35444687 PMCID: PMC9014094 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.794625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle temperament has been considered by farmers as a key breeding goal due to its relevance for cattlemen's safety, animal welfare, resilience, and longevity and its association with many economically important traits (e.g., production and meat quality). The definition of proper statistical models, accurate variance component estimates, and knowledge on the genetic background of the indicator trait evaluated are of great importance for accurately predicting the genetic merit of breeding animals. Therefore, 266,029 American Angus cattle with yearling temperament records (1-6 score) were used to evaluate statistical models and estimate variance components; investigate the association of sex and farm management with temperament; assess the weighted correlation of estimated breeding values for temperament and productive, reproductive efficiency and resilience traits; and perform a weighted single-step genome-wide association analysis using 69,559 animals genotyped for 54,609 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Sex and extrinsic factors were significantly associated with temperament, including conception type, age of dam, birth season, and additional animal-human interactions. Similar results were observed among models including only the direct additive genetic effect and when adding other maternal effects. Estimated heritability of temperament was equal to 0.39 on the liability scale. Favorable genetic correlations were observed between temperament and other relevant traits, including growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, and reproductive traits. The highest approximated genetic correlations were observed between temperament and growth traits (weaning weight, 0.28; yearling weight, 0.28). Altogether, we identified 11 genomic regions, located across nine chromosomes including BTAX, explaining 3.33% of the total additive genetic variance. The candidate genes identified were enriched in pathways related to vision, which could be associated with reception of stimulus and/or cognitive abilities. This study encompasses large and diverse phenotypic, genomic, and pedigree datasets of US Angus cattle. Yearling temperament is a highly heritable and polygenic trait that can be improved through genetic selection. Direct selection for temperament is not expected to result in unfavorable responses on other relevant traits due to the favorable or low genetic correlations observed. In summary, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of maternal effects, extrinsic factors, and various genomic regions associated with yearling temperament in North American Angus cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Hinayah R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen P Miller
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., St Joseph, MO, United States
| | - Fabyano F Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Vicosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Araujo AC, Carneiro PLS, Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Miller SP, Retallick K, Brito LF. Haplotype-Based Single-Step GWAS for Yearling Temperament in American Angus Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:17. [PMID: 35052358 PMCID: PMC8775055 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavior is a complex trait and, therefore, understanding its genetic architecture is paramount for the development of effective breeding strategies. The objective of this study was to perform traditional and weighted single-step genome-wide association studies (ssGWAS and WssGWAS, respectively) for yearling temperament (YT) in North American Angus cattle using haplotypes. Approximately 266 K YT records and 70 K animals genotyped using a 50 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) panel were used. Linkage disequilibrium thresholds (LD) of 0.15, 0.50, and 0.80 were used to create the haploblocks, and the inclusion of non-LD-clustered SNPs (NCSNP) with the haplotypes in the genomic models was also evaluated. WssGWAS did not perform better than ssGWAS. Cattle YT was found to be a highly polygenic trait, with genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) broadly distributed across the whole genome. Association studies using LD-based haplotypes should include NCSNPs and different LD thresholds to increase the likelihood of finding the relevant genomic regions affecting the trait of interest. The main candidate genes identified, i.e., ATXN10, ADAM10, VAX2, ATP6V1B1, CRISPLD1, CAPRIN1, FA2H, SPEF2, PLXNA1, and CACNA2D3, are involved in important biological processes and metabolic pathways related to behavioral traits, social interactions, and aggressiveness in cattle. Future studies should further investigate the role of these candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre C. Araujo
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences, State University of Southwestern Bahia, Itapetinga 45700-000, Brazil;
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.)
| | - Paulo L. S. Carneiro
- Department of Biology, State University of Southwest Bahia, Jequié 45205-490, Brazil;
| | - Amanda B. Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.)
| | - Hinayah R. Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.)
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Stephen P. Miller
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., 3201 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (S.P.M.); (K.R.)
| | - Kelli Retallick
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., 3201 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (S.P.M.); (K.R.)
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.)
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Hazard D, Kempeneers A, Delval E, Bouix J, Foulquié D, Boissy A. Maternal reactivity of ewes at lambing is genetically linked to their behavioural reactivity in an arena test. J Anim Breed Genet 2021; 139:193-203. [PMID: 34799869 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In sheep, the bond between the dam and her lambs is established during the first hours of a lamb's life. Genetic variability for behavioural reactivity of ewes assessed in an arena test performed 24 hr after lambing has already been reported. However, there is no evidence that this reactivity represents the ewe's maternal reactivity at lambing in outdoor conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether or not the behavioural reactivity of ewes in the arena test is genetically related to their maternal reactivity measured at lambing. A total of 935 Romane ewes were studied. The maternal reactivity of ewes at the outdoor lambing site was recorded in response to a human approach and to the handling of the lambs. Their behavioural reactivity was also recorded 24 hr post-lambing in the arena test that involved a separation from the litter and a human presence. Flight distance, aggressive reaction, time to restore contact with the litter, maternal behaviour scores and vocalizations recorded at the lambing site were heritable (0.12-0.34). All of these behaviours were genetically correlated with the behavioural reactivity in the arena test. The highest genetic correlations (from 0.60 to 0.90) were found amongst maternal behavioural scores, flight distance and high-pitched bleats. In conclusion, behavioural reactivity in the arena test can be used to assess early maternal reactivity in standardized conditions. Phenotyping of ewes' behavioural reactivity with a simplified arena test can be performed for genetic improvement in maternal behaviour in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Hazard
- GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Amandine Kempeneers
- GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Eric Delval
- UMR Herbivores, Université de Clermont, INRAE, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Jacques Bouix
- GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Alain Boissy
- UMR Herbivores, Université de Clermont, INRAE, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
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Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Chen SY, Miller SP, Marchant-Forde JN, Grigoletto L, Brito LF. A Systematic Review of Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes Underlying Behavioral Traits in Farmed Mammals and Their Link with Human Disorders. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030715. [PMID: 33800722 PMCID: PMC7999279 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study is a comprehensive review of genomic regions associated with animal behavior in farmed mammals (beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and sheep) which contributes to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing the target indicator trait and to gene expression studies by suggesting genes likely controlling the trait, and it will be useful in optimizing genomic predictions of breeding values incorporating biological information. Behavioral mechanisms are complex traits, genetically controlled by multiple genes spread across the whole genome. The majority of the genes identified in cattle, pigs, and sheep in association with a plethora of behavioral measurements (e.g., temperament, terrain use, milking speed, tail biting, and sucking reflex) are likely controlling stimuli reception (e.g., olfactory), internal recognition of stimuli (e.g., neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction), and body response to a stimulus (e.g., blood pressure, fatty acidy metabolism, hormone signaling, and inflammatory pathways). Six genes were commonly identified between cattle and pigs. About half of the genes for behavior identified in farmed mammals were also identified in humans for behavioral, mental, and neuronal disorders. Our findings indicate that the majority of the genes identified are likely controlling animal behavioral outcomes because their biological functions as well as potentially differing allele frequencies between two breed groups (subjectively) clustered based on their temperament characteristics. Abstract The main objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review of genomic regions associated with various behavioral traits in the main farmed mammals and identify key candidate genes and potential causal mutations by contrasting the frequency of polymorphisms in cattle breeds with divergent behavioral traits (based on a subjective clustering approach). A total of 687 (cattle), 1391 (pigs), and 148 (sheep) genomic regions associated with 37 (cattle), 55 (pigs), and 22 (sheep) behavioral traits were identified in the literature. In total, 383, 317, and 15 genes overlap with genomic regions identified for cattle, pigs, and sheep, respectively. Six common genes (e.g., NR3C2, PITPNM3, RERG, SPNS3, U6, and ZFAT) were found for cattle and pigs. A combined gene-set of 634 human genes was produced through identified homologous genes. A total of 313 out of 634 genes have previously been associated with behavioral, mental, and neurologic disorders (e.g., anxiety and schizophrenia) in humans. Additionally, a total of 491 candidate genes had at least one statistically significant polymorphism (p-value < 0.05). Out of those, 110 genes were defined as having polymorphic regions differing in greater than 50% of exon regions. Therefore, conserved genomic regions controlling behavior were found across farmed mammal species and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Hinayah R. Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Shi-Yi Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 625014, China
| | | | - Jeremy N. Marchant-Forde
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (USDA–ARS), West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Lais Grigoletto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 05508, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.B.A.); (H.R.O.); (S.-Y.C.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Vilela Pires B, de Freitas LA, Voltareli da Silva G, Brasil Garcia Pimenta Neves Pereira Lima S, dos Santos Gonçalves Cyrillo JN, Bonvino Stafuzza N, Pereira de Lima ML, Paro de Paz CC. Influence of calf vigour and suckling assistance from birth to weaning in Guzerá beef cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Maternal ability, cow nutrition, and calf sex are factors that affect beef cattle production in extensive systems. The Guzerá cattle is an important breed in Brazil, where satisfactory growth rates are reported; however, studies on post-parturition calf and cow behaviour are scarce.
Aims
This study aimed to identify the influence of vigour at birth (ability to stand and suckle without assistance) and human assistance in colostrum intake (HA) on the haematological profile, cortisol concentration, and growth until weaning of Guzerá beef calf.
Methods
The following traits were observed in 73 male and 83 female calves: cow age at calving, sex, birthweight, vigour, HA, haematological profile, cortisol concentration, bodyweight at 120 days (W120), weaning weight, average daily gain and mortality. Variance analysis was performed using the general linear model procedure of the SAS software.
Key results
Haematocrit (P = 0.04) and red blood cells (P = 0.004) were higher in calves requiring HA. Cortisol was also higher (P = 0.03) in calves that required HA (81.34 ng/mL × 59.40 ng/mL). The weaning weight and average daily gain were higher (P < 0.05) in calves that did not require HA and showed good vigour (200.38 kg and 0.83 kg/day respectively) than in calves that required HA and showed good vigour (163.7 kg and 0.68 kg/day respectively). The mortality rate was higher in calves that showed poor vigour at birth (25%).
Conclusions
Both vigour and the need for HA are important traits that should be evaluated during the development of newborn calves. These assessments in the herd can contribute to minimise the mortality rate and maximise the health and weight gain until weaning of beef calves.
Implications
Few studies have reported the role of vigour and colostrum intake in the development of calves. Despite the difficulty of human interference in extensive cattle farming, the calf vigour combined with human assistance at birth can minimise the losses and increase the performance of beef cattle.
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Devani K, Plastow G, Orsel K, Valente TS. Genome-wide association study for mammary structure in Canadian Angus cows. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237818. [PMID: 32853245 PMCID: PMC7451565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional and enduring mammary structure is pivotal for producer profitability, and animal health and welfare in beef production. Genetic evaluations for teat and udder score in Canadian Angus cattle have previously been developed. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with teat and udder structure in Canadian Angus cows thereby enhancing knowledge of the biological architecture of these traits. Thus, we performed a weighted single-step genome wide association study (WssGWAS) to identify candidate genes for teat and udder score in 1,582 Canadian Angus cows typed with the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler Bovine 130K SNP array. Genomically enhanced estimated breeding values (GEBVs) were converted to SNP marker effects using unequal variances for markers to calculate weights for each SNP over three iterations. At the genome wide level, we detected windows of 20 consecutive SNPs that explained more than 0.5% of the variance observed in these traits. A total of 35 and 28 windows were identified for teat and udder score, respectively, with two SNP windows in common for both traits. Using Ensembl, the SNP windows were used to search for candidate genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL). A total of 94 and 71 characterized genes were identified in the regions for teat and udder score, respectively. Of these, 7 genes were common for both traits. Gene network and enrichment analysis, using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), signified key pathways unique to each trait. Genes of interest were associated with immune response and wound healing, adipose tissue development and morphology, and epithelial and vascular development and morphology. Genetic architecture from this GWAS confirms that teat and udder score are distinct, polygenic traits involving varying and complex biological pathways, and that genetic selection for improved teat and udder score is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Devani
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham Plastow
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tiago S. Valente
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Human-Mediated Introgression of Haplotypes in a Modern Dairy Cattle Breed. Genetics 2018; 209:1305-1317. [PMID: 29848486 PMCID: PMC6063242 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic animals can serve as model systems of adaptive introgression and their genomic signatures. In part, their usefulness as model systems is due to their well-known histories. Different breeding strategies such as introgression and artificial selection have generated numerous desirable phenotypes and superior performance in domestic animals. The modern Danish Red Dairy Cattle is studied as an example of an introgressed population. It originates from crossing the traditional Danish Red Dairy Cattle with the Holstein and Brown Swiss breeds, both known for high milk production. This crossing happened, among other things due to changes in the production system, to raise milk production and overall performance. The genomes of modern Danish Red Dairy Cattle are heavily influenced by regions introgressed from the Holstein and Brown Swiss breeds and under subsequent selection in the admixed population. The introgressed proportion of the genome was found to be highly variable across the genome. Haplotypes introgressed from Holstein and Brown Swiss contained or overlapped known genes affecting milk production, as well as protein and fat content (CD14, ZNF215, BCL2L12, and THRSP for Holstein origin and ITPR2, BCAT1, LAP3, and MED28 for Brown Swiss origin). Genomic regions with high introgression signals also contained genes and enriched QTL associated with calving traits, body confirmation, feed efficiency, carcass, and fertility traits. These introgressed signals with relative identity-by-descent scores larger than the median showing Holstein or Brown Swiss introgression are mostly significantly correlated with the corresponding test statistics from signatures of selection analyses in modern Danish Red Dairy Cattle. Meanwhile, the putative significant introgressed signals have a significant dependency with the putative significant signals from signatures of selection analyses. Artificial selection has played an important role in the genomic footprints of introgression in the genome of modern Danish Red Dairy Cattle. Our study on a modern cattle breed contributes to an understanding of genomic consequences of selective introgression by demonstrating the extent to which adaptive effects contribute to shape the specific genomic consequences of introgression.
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SHARMA UPASNA, BANERJEE PRIYANKA, JOSHI JYOTI, KAPOOR PRERNA, VIJH RAMESHKUMAR. Identification of quantitative trait loci for milk yield in Murrah buffaloes. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i5.79972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A reference family consisting of 12 half sib sire families were created for the identification of QTLs for milk yield in buffaloes. Daughters were recorded for monthly test day milk yield. The number of daughters per sire varied from 50 to 335 daughters per sire. Seventy nine polymorphic microsatellite markers located on 8 chromosomes were genotyped for 2281 daughters of the 12 sires. Whole chromosome scanning was done using single marker analysis and interval mapping using three different algorithms. The analysis was carried out sire family wise. QTLs (63) were identified in single marker analysis and 32 QTLs were identified using interval mapping. The significance of LOD score was tested using permutation tests. The metaQTL analysis was carried out to find out the consensus chromosomal regions associated with milk yield in buffaloes. Five models were utilised and the best was selected on the basis of Akaike Information content. Total 23 chromosomal regions were identified for milk yield in buffaloes. 2 metaQTL chromosomal regions were identified on buffalo chromosome BBU2q; 3 metaQTLs each on buffalo chromosomes BBU8, BBU10 and BBU15 and 4 metaQTL regions each on BBU1q, BBU6, BBU9.
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Mastrangelo S, Ciani E, Sardina MT, Sottile G, Pilla F, Portolano B. Runs of homozygosity reveal genome-wide autozygosity in Italian sheep breeds. Anim Genet 2018; 49:71-81. [PMID: 29333609 DOI: 10.1111/age.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The availability of dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays allows for the determination of autozygous segments based on runs of consecutive homozygous genotypes (ROH). The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and distribution of ROH in 21 Italian sheep breeds using medium-density SNP genotypes in order to characterize autozygosity and identify genomic regions that frequently appeared in ROH within individuals, namely ROH islands. After filtering, the final number of animals and SNPs retained for analyses were 502 and 46 277 respectively. A total of 12 302 ROH were identified. The mean number of ROH per breed ranged from 10.58 (Comisana) to 44.54 (Valle del Belice). The average length of ROH across breeds was 4.55 Mb and ranged from 3.85 Mb (Biellese) to 5.51 Mb (Leccese). Valle del Belice showed the highest value of inbreeding on the basis of ROH (FROH = 0.099), whereas Comisana showed the lowest (FROH = 0.016), and high standard deviation values revealed high variability in autozygosity levels within each breed. Differences also existed in the length of ROH. Analysis of the distribution of ROH according to their size showed that, for all breeds, the majority of the detected ROH were <10 Mb in length, with a few long ROH >25 Mb. The levels of ROH that we estimated here reflect the inbreeding history of the investigated sheep breeds. These results also highlight that ancient and recent inbreeding have had an impact on the genome of the Italian sheep breeds and suggest that several animals have experienced recent autozygosity events. Comisana and Bergamasca appeared as the less consanguineous breeds, whereas Barbaresca, Leccese and Valle del Belice showed ROH patterns typically produced by recent inbreeding. Moreover, within the genomic regions most commonly associated with ROH, several candidate genes were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mastrangelo
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - E Ciani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Biofarmaceutica University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - M T Sardina
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Sottile
- Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Pilla
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - B Portolano
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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Tolleson MW, Gill CA, Herring AD, Riggs PK, Sawyer JE, Sanders JO, Riley DG. Association of udder traits with single nucleotide polymorphisms in crossbred Bos indicus- Bos taurus cows. J Anim Sci 2018; 95:2399-2407. [PMID: 28727049 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2017.1475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The size, support, and health of udders limit the productive life of beef cows, especially those with background, because, in general, such cows have a reputation for problems with udders. Genomic association studies of bovine udder traits have been conducted in dairy cattle and recently in Continental European beef breeds but not in cows with background. The objective of this study was to determine associations of SNP and udder support scores, teat length, and teat diameter in half (Nellore), half (Angus) cows. Udders of cows ( = 295) born from 2003 to 2007 were evaluated for udder support and teat length and diameter ( = 1,746 records) from 2005 through 2014. These included a subjective score representing udder support (values of 1 indicated poorly supported, pendulous udders and values of 9 indicated very well-supported udders) and lengths and diameters of individual teats in the 4 udder quarters as well as the average. Cows were in full-sibling or half-sibling families. Residuals for each trait were produced from repeated records models with cow age category nested within birth year of cows. Those residuals were averaged to become the dependent variables for genomewide association analyses. Regression analyses of those dependent variables included genotypic values as explanatory variables for 34,980 SNP from a commercially available array and included the genomic relationship matrix. Fifteen SNP loci on BTA 5 were associated (false discovery rate controlled at 0.05) with udder support score. One of those was also detected as associated with average teat diameter. Three of those 15 SNP were located within genes, including one each in (), (), and (). These are notable for their functional role in some aspect of mammary gland formation or health. Other candidate genes for these traits in the vicinity of the SNP loci include () and (). Because these were detected in Nellore-Angus crossbred cows, which typically have very well-formed udders with excellent support across their productive lives, similar efforts in other breeds should be completed, because that may facilitate further refinement of genomic regions responsible for variation in udder traits important in multiple breeds.
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