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Gangwar M, Kumar S, Ahmad SF, Singh A, Agrawal S, Anitta PL, Kumar A. Identification of genetic variants affecting reproduction traits in Vrindavani cattle. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:99-111. [PMID: 37924370 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-023-10023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are one of the best ways to look into the connection between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the phenotypic performance. This study aimed to identify the genetic variants that significantly affect the important reproduction traits in Vrindavani cattle using genome-wide SNP chip array data. In this study, 96 randomly chosen Vrindavani cows were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine50K BeadChip platform. A linear regression model of the genome-wide association study was fitted in the PLINK program between genome-wide SNP markers and reproduction traits, including age at first calving (AFC), inter-calving period (ICP), dry days (DD), and service period (SP) across the first three lactations. Information on different QTLs and genes, overlapping or adjacent to genomic coordinates of significant SNPs, was also mined from relevant databases in order to identify the biological pathways associated with reproductive traits in bovine. The Bonferroni correction resulted in total 39 SNP markers present on different chromosomes being identified that significantly affected the variation in AFC (6 SNPs), ICP (7 SNPs), DD (9 SNPs), and SP (17 SNPs). Novel potential candidate genes associated with reproductive traits that were identified using the GWAS methodology included UMPS, ITGB5, ADAM2, UPK1B, TEX55, bta-mir-708, TMPO, TDRD5, MAPRE2, PTER, AP3B1, DPP8, PLAT, TXN2, NDUFAF1, TGFA, DTNA, RSU1, KCNQ1, ADAM32, and CHST8. The significant SNPs and genes associated with the reproductive traits and the enriched genes may be exploited as candidate biomarkers in animal improvement programs, especially for improved reproduction performance in bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munish Gangwar
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India.
| | - Sheikh Firdous Ahmad
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
| | - Akansha Singh
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
| | - Swati Agrawal
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
| | - P L Anitta
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnangar, Bareilly, 243122, India
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More M, Veli E, Cruz A, Gutiérrez JP, Gutiérrez G, Ponce de León FA. Genome-Wide Association Study of Fiber Diameter in Alpacas. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3316. [PMID: 37958071 PMCID: PMC10648856 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fiber diameter in alpacas. DNA samples were collected from 1011 female Huacaya alpacas from two geographical Andean regions in Peru (Pasco and Puno), and three alpaca farms within each region. The samples were genotyped using an Affymetrix Custom Alpaca genotyping array containing 76,508 SNPs. After the quality controls, 960 samples and 51,742 SNPs were retained. Three association study methodologies were performed. The GWAS based on a linear model allowed us to identify 11 and 35 SNPs (-log10(p-values) > 4) using information on all alpacas and alpacas with extreme values of fiber diameter, respectively. The haplotype and marker analysis method allowed us to identify nine haplotypes with standardized haplotype heritability higher than six standard deviations. The selection signatures based on cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) allowed us to identify 180 SNPs with XP-EHH values greater than |3|. Four candidate regions with adjacent SNPs identified via two association methods of analysis are located on VPA6, VPA9, VPA29 and one chromosomally unassigned scaffold. This study represents the first analysis of alpaca whole genome association with fiber diameter, using a recently assembled alpaca SNP microarray.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel More
- Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco 08006, Peru;
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru; (A.C.); (F.A.P.d.L.)
| | - Eudosio Veli
- Centro Experimental La Molina, Dirección de Recursos Genéticos y Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Lima 15024, Peru;
| | - Alan Cruz
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru; (A.C.); (F.A.P.d.L.)
- Estación Científica de Pacomarca, Inca Tops S.A., Arequipa 04007, Peru
| | - Juan Pablo Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gustavo Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru; (A.C.); (F.A.P.d.L.)
- Instituto de Investigación de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru
| | - F. Abel Ponce de León
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru; (A.C.); (F.A.P.d.L.)
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55108, USA
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Carvalho FE, Ferraz JBS, Pedrosa VB, Matos EC, Eler JP, Silva MR, Guimarães JD, Bussiman FO, Silva BCA, Cançado FA, Mulim HA, Espigolan R, Brito LF. Genetic parameters for various semen production and quality traits and indicators of male and female reproductive performance in Nellore cattle. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:150. [PMID: 36973650 PMCID: PMC10044441 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the economic relevance of fertility and reproductive traits for the beef cattle industry, investigating their genetic background and developing effective breeding strategies are paramount. Considering their late and sex-dependent phenotypic expression, genomic information can contribute to speed up the rates of genetic progress per year. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and genetic parameters, including heritability and genetic correlations, for fertility, female precocity, and semen production and quality (andrological attributes) traits in Nellore cattle incorporating genomic information. RESULTS The heritability estimates of semen quality traits were low-to-moderate, while moderate-to-high estimates were observed for semen morphological traits. The heritability of semen defects ranged from low (0.04 for minor semen defects) to moderate (0.30 for total semen defects). For seminal aspect (SMN_ASPC) and bull reproductive fitness (BULL_FIT), low (0.19) and high (0.69) heritabilities were observed, respectively. The heritability estimates for female reproductive traits ranged from 0.16 to 0.39 for rebreeding of precocious females (REBA) and probability of pregnancy at 14 months (PP14), respectively. Semen quality traits were highly genetically correlated among themselves. Moderate-to-high genetic correlations were observed between the ability to remain productive in the herd until four years of age (stayability; STAY) and the other reproductive traits, indicating that selection for female reproductive performance will indirectly contribute to increasing fertility rates. High genetic correlations between BULL_FIT and female reproductive traits related to precocity (REBA and PP14) and STAY were observed. The genetic correlations between semen quality and spermatic morphology with female reproductive traits ranged from -0.22 (REBA and scrotal circumference) to 0.48 (REBA and sperm vigor). In addition, the genetic correlations between REBA with semen quality traits ranged from -0.23 to 0.48, and with the spermatic morphology traits it ranged from -0.22 to 0.19. CONCLUSIONS All male and female fertility and reproduction traits evaluated are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic or genomic selection. Selection for better sperm quality will positively influence the fertility and precocity of Nellore females. The findings of this study will serve as background information for designing breeding programs for genetically improving semen production and quality and reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe E Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - José Bento S Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor B Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Elisangela C Matos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Joanir P Eler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio R Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - José D Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Vicosa, Vicosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando O Bussiman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Barbara C A Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Cançado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique A Mulim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Rafael Espigolan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Chen X, Wang D, An J. Circular RNA ame_circ_2015 Function as microRNA Sponges in Regulating Egg-Laying of Honeybees ( Apis mellifera). LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010161. [PMID: 36676110 PMCID: PMC9865145 DOI: 10.3390/life13010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are critical to maintaining ecological balance and are important pollinators. The oviposition behavior in honeybees is important and complex. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are found to form circRNA-miRNA crosstalk and play important roles in reproduction processes. Here, dual luciferase reporter was used to confirm the crosstalk between ame_circ_2015 and ame_miR-14-3p. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to investigate the biological functions of ame_circ_2015 in egg-laying of queens. The results showed that ame_circ_2015 directly target ame_miR-14-3p, and the expression of ame_circ_2015 was negatively correlated with ame_miR-14-3p expression. Overexpression results showed that ame_circ_2015 promoted the number of eggs laid and knockdown of ame_circ_2015 suppressed the number of eggs laid. It demonstrates that up-regulated ame_circ_2015 promotes the number of eggs laid by sponging ame_miR-14-3p. The study will provide information towards a better understanding of circRNA-miRNA crosstalk in egg-laying in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-1013426240519
| | - Deqian Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Jiandong An
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Alves AAC, da Costa RM, Fonseca LFS, Carvalheiro R, Ventura RV, Rosa GJDM, Albuquerque LG. A Random Forest-Based Genome-Wide Scan Reveals Fertility-Related Candidate Genes and Potential Inter-Chromosomal Epistatic Regions Associated With Age at First Calving in Nellore Cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:834724. [PMID: 35692843 PMCID: PMC9178659 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.834724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) using the Random Forest (RF) approach for scanning candidate genes for age at first calving (AFC) in Nellore cattle. Additionally, potential epistatic effects were investigated using linear mixed models with pairwise interactions between all markers with high importance scores within the tree ensemble non-linear structure. Data from Nellore cattle were used, including records of animals born between 1984 and 2015 and raised in commercial herds located in different regions of Brazil. The estimated breeding values (EBV) were computed and used as the response variable in the genomic analyses. After quality control, the remaining number of animals and SNPs considered were 3,174 and 360,130, respectively. Five independent RF analyses were carried out, considering different initialization seeds. The importance score of each SNP was averaged across the independent RF analyses to rank the markers according to their predictive relevance. A total of 117 SNPs associated with AFC were identified, which spanned 10 autosomes (2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 24, and 25). In total, 23 non-overlapping genomic regions embedded 262 candidate genes for AFC. Enrichment analysis and previous evidence in the literature revealed that many candidate genes annotated close to the lead SNPs have key roles in fertility, including embryo pre-implantation and development, embryonic viability, male germinal cell maturation, and pheromone recognition. Furthermore, some genomic regions previously associated with fertility and growth traits in Nellore cattle were also detected in the present study, reinforcing the effectiveness of RF for pre-screening candidate regions associated with complex traits. Complementary analyses revealed that many SNPs top-ranked in the RF-based GWAS did not present a strong marginal linear effect but are potentially involved in epistatic hotspots between genomic regions in different autosomes, remarkably in the BTAs 3, 5, 11, and 21. The reported results are expected to enhance the understanding of genetic mechanisms involved in the biological regulation of AFC in this cattle breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Antonio Carvalho Alves
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rebeka Magalhães da Costa
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Larissa Fernanda Simielli Fonseca
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Lucia Galvão Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
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Dubon MAC, Pedrosa VB, Feitosa FLB, Costa RB, de Camargo GMF, Silva MR, Pinto LFB. Identification of novel candidate genes for age at first calving in Nellore cows using a SNP chip specifically developed for Bos taurus indicus cattle. Theriogenology 2021; 173:156-162. [PMID: 34392169 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The age at first calving has a great economic impact on the beef cattle system and calving at 24 months is an objective of selection for a more efficient herd. However, an age at first calving around 36 months has been observed for Nellore cattle in Brazil. Thus, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out with 8376 records of age at first calving and 3239 animals genotyped with the GGP-Indicus 35K, which has been developed specifically for Bos taurus indicus. The weighted single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method was used, with adjacent SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in genomic windows of 1.0 Mb. After quality control, 3239 (2161 males and 1078 females) animals genotyped for 30,519 SNPs were used in GWAS analysis. The average and standard deviation of age at first calving were 1041.7 and 140.6 days, respectively. The heritability estimate was 0.10 ± 0.02. The GWAS analysis found seven genomic regions in BTA1, 2, 5, 12, 18, 21, and 24, which explained a total of 11.24% of the additive genetic variance of age at first calving. In these regions were found 62 protein coding genes, and the genes HSD17B2, SERPINA14, SERPINA1, SERPINA5, STAT1, NFATC1, ATP9B, CTDP1, THPO, ECE2, PSMD2, EIF4G1, EIF2B2, DVL3, POLR2H, TMTC2, and GPC6 are possible candidates for age at first birth due their function. Moreover, two molecular functions ("serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity" and "negative regulation of endopeptidase activity") were significant, which depend on several serpin genes. The use of a SNP chip developed especially for Bos taurus indicus allowed to find genomic regions for age at first calving, which are close to QTLs previously reported for other reproduction-related traits. Future studies can reveal the causal variants and their effects on reproductive precocity of Nellore cows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Breno Pedrosa
- State University of Ponta Grossa, 4748, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, Ponta Grossa, PR, 84030900, Brazil.
| | | | - Raphael Bermal Costa
- Federal University of Bahia, 500, Av. Adhemar de Barros, Salvador, BA, 40170110, Brazil.
| | | | - Marcio Ribeiro Silva
- Melhore Animal and Katayama Agropecuaria Lda, Guararapes, SP, 16700-000, Brazil.
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Genome-Wide Association Study Provides Insights into Important Genes for Reproductive Traits in Nelore Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051386. [PMID: 34068162 PMCID: PMC8152989 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and reproductive traits in order to identify candidate genes and biological pathways associated with these traits in Nelore beef cattle. The genome-wide association analysis revealed genomic regions that could explain part of the genetic variance of the studied traits. The results revealed genes with important functions for reproductive traits, such as fertility and precocity. Some genes were associated with more than one trait, being important for reproductive efficiency. The identification of candidate genes that were associated with the studied traits as well as genes enriched in the functional terms and pathways may be useful for exploring the genetic architecture underlying reproductive traits and may be used in Nelore breeding programs. Abstract The identification of genomic regions associated with reproductive traits as well as their biological processes allows a better understanding of the phenotypic variability of these traits. This information could be applied to animal breeding programs to accelerate genetic gain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with a scrotal circumference at 365 days of age (SC365) and at 450 days of age (SC450), gestation length (GL) as a calf trait, age at first calving (AFC), accumulated productivity (ACP), heifer early calving until 30 months (HC30), and stayability (STAY) traits, in order to identify candidate genes and biological pathways associated with reproductive traits in Nelore cattle. The data set consisted of pedigree, phenotypes, and genotypes of Nelore cattle from the “Associação Nacional de Criadores e Pesquisadores” (ANCP). The association analyses were performed using the Weighted Single-Step Genome-Wide Association method; the regions, consisting of 10 consecutive SNP, which explained more than 0.5% of additive genetic variance, were considered as a significant association. A total of 3, 6, 7, 5, 10, 25, and 12 windows were associated with SC355, SC450, GL, AFC, ACP, HC30, and STAY, respectively. The results revealed genes with important functions for reproductive traits, such as fertility and precocity. Some genes were associated with more than one trait, among them CAMK1D, TASP1, ACOXL, RAB11FIP5, and SFXN5. Moreover, the genes were enriched in functional terms, like negative regulation of fat cell differentiation, fatty acid alpha-oxidation, and sphingolipids signaling pathway. The identification of the genes associated with the traits, as well as genes enriched in the terms and pathway mentioned above, should contribute to future biological validation studies and may be used as candidate genes in Nelore breeding programs.
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Shabalina T, Yin T, May K, König S. Proofs for genotype by environment interactions considering pedigree and genomic data from organic and conventional cow reference populations. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4452-4466. [PMID: 33589254 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to prove genotype by environment interactions (G × E) for production, longevity, and health traits considering conventional and organic German Holstein dairy cattle subpopulations. The full data set included 141,778 Holstein cows from 57 conventional herds and 7,915 cows from 9 organic herds. The analyzed traits were first-lactation milk yield and fat percentage (FP), the length of productive life (LPL) and the health traits mastitis, ovarian cycle disorders, and digital dermatitis in first lactation. A subset of phenotyped cows was genotyped and used for the implementation of separate cow reference populations. After SNP quality controls, the cow reference sets considered 40,830 SNP from 19,700 conventional cows and the same 40,830 SNP from 1,282 organic cows. The proof of possible G × E was made via multiple-trait model applications, considering same traits from the conventional and organic population as different traits. In this regard, pedigree (A), genomic (G) and combined relationship (H) matrices were constructed. For the production traits, heritabilities were very similar in both organic and conventional populations (i.e., close to 0.70 for FP and close to 0.40 for milk yield). For low heritability health traits and LPL, stronger heritability fluctuations were observed, especially for digital dermatitis with 0.05 ± 0.01 (organic, A matrix) to 0.33 ± 0.04 (conventional, G matrix). Quite large genetic correlations between same traits from the 2 environments were estimated for production traits, especially for high heritability FP. For LPL, the genetic correlation was 0.67 (A matrix) and 0.66 (H matrix). The genetic correlation between LPL organic with LPL conventional was 0.94 when considering the G matrix, but only 213 genotyped cows were included. For health traits, genetic correlations were throughout lower than 0.80, indicating possible G × E. Genetic correlations from the different matrices A, G, and H for health and production traits followed the same pattern, but the estimates from G for health traits were associated with quite large standard errors. In genome-wide association studies, significantly associated SNP for production traits overlapped in the conventional and organic population. In contrast, for low heritability LPL and health traits, significantly associated SNP and annotated potential candidate genes differed in both populations. In this regard, significantly associated SNP for mastitis from conventional cows were located on Bos taurus autosomes 6 and 19, but on Bos taurus autosomes 1, 10, and 22 in the organic population. For the remaining health traits and LPL, different potential candidate genes were annotated, but the different genes reflect similar physiological pathways. We found evidence of G × E for low heritability functional traits, suggesting different breeding approaches in organic and conventional populations. Nevertheless, for a verification of results and implementation of alternative breeding strategies, it is imperative to increase the organic cow reference population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Shabalina
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21B, 35390 Gießen, Germany; Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute of Animal Breeding, Prof.-Dürwaechter-Platz 1, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - T Yin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21B, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - K May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21B, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - S König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21B, 35390 Gießen, Germany.
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Grigoletto L, Santana MHA, Bressan FF, Eler JP, Nogueira MFG, Kadarmideen HN, Baruselli PS, Ferraz JBS, Brito LF. Genetic Parameters and Genome-Wide Association Studies for Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels and Antral Follicle Populations Measured After Estrus Synchronization in Nellore Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1185. [PMID: 32668804 PMCID: PMC7401547 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive efficiency plays a major role in the long-term sustainability of livestock industries and can be improved through genetic and genomic selection. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with anti-Müllerian hormone levels (AMH) and antral follicle populations measured after estrous synchronization (AFP) in Nellore cattle. The datasets included phenotypic records for 1099 and 289 Nellore females for AFP and AMH, respectively, high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes for 944 animals, and 4129 individuals in the pedigree. The heritability estimates for AMH and AFP were 0.28 ± 0.07 and 0.30 ± 0.09, and the traits were highly and positively genetically correlated (rG = 0.81 ± 0.02). These findings indicated that these traits can be improved through selective breeding, and substantial indirect genetic gains are expected by selecting for only one of the two traits. A total of 31 genomic regions were shown to be associated with AMH or AFP, and two genomic regions located on BTA1 (64.9-65.0 Mb and 109.1-109.2 Mb) overlapped between the traits. Various candidate genes were identified to be potentially linked to important biological processes such as ovulation, tissue remodeling, and the immune system. Our findings support the use of AMH and AFP as indicator traits to genetically improve fertility rates in Nellore cattle and identify better oocyte donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Grigoletto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Miguel Henrique Almeida Santana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Joanir Pereira Eler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University, Assis, 19806-900 São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Haja N. Kadarmideen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 102500 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - José Bento Sterman Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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10
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Cardoso DF, Fernandes Júnior GA, Scalez DCB, Alves AAC, Magalhães AFB, Bresolin T, Ventura RV, Li C, de Sena Oliveira MC, Porto-Neto LR, Carvalheiro R, de Oliveira HN, Tonhati H, Albuquerque LG. Uncovering Sub-Structure and Genomic Profiles in Across-Countries Subpopulations of Angus Cattle. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8770. [PMID: 32471998 PMCID: PMC7260210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65565-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Highlighting genomic profiles for geographically distinct subpopulations of the same breed may provide insights into adaptation mechanisms to different environments, reveal genomic regions divergently selected, and offer initial guidance to joint genomic analysis. Here, we characterized similarities and differences between the genomic patterns of Angus subpopulations, born and raised in Canada (N = 382) and Brazil (N = 566). Furthermore, we systematically scanned for selection signatures based on the detection of autozygosity islands common between the two subpopulations, and signals of divergent selection, via FST and varLD tests. The principal component analysis revealed a sub-structure with a close connection between the two subpopulations. The averages of genomic relationships, inbreeding coefficients, and linkage disequilibrium at varying genomic distances were rather similar across them, suggesting non-accentuated differences in overall genomic diversity. Autozygosity islands revealed selection signatures common to both subpopulations at chromosomes 13 (63.77-65.25 Mb) and 14 (22.81-23.57 Mb), which are notably known regions affecting growth traits. Nevertheless, further autozygosity islands along with FST and varLD tests unravel particular sites with accentuated population subdivision at BTAs 7 and 18 overlapping with known QTL and candidate genes of reproductive performance, thermoregulation, and resistance to infectious diseases. Our findings indicate overall genomic similarity between Angus subpopulations, with noticeable signals of divergent selection in genomic regions associated with the adaptation in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diercles Francisco Cardoso
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Gerardo Alves Fernandes Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Daiane Cristina Becker Scalez
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anderson Antonio Carvalho Alves
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Fabrícia Braga Magalhães
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Bresolin
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Changxi Li
- Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- National Council for Science and Technological Development, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Henrique Nunes de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- National Council for Science and Technological Development, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Humberto Tonhati
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- National Council for Science and Technological Development, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Lucia Galvão Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
- National Council for Science and Technological Development, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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11
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Haplotype-Based Genome-Wide Association Study and Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050551. [PMID: 32423003 PMCID: PMC7290854 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hanwoo, is the most popular native beef cattle in South Korea. Due to its extensive popularity, research is ongoing to enhance its carcass quality and marbling traits. In this study we conducted a haplotype-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) by constructing haplotype blocks by three methods: number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a haplotype block (nsnp), length of genomic region in kb (Len) and linkage disequilibrium (LD). Significant haplotype blocks and genes associated with them were identified for carcass traits such as BFT (back fat thickness), EMA (eye Muscle area), CWT (carcass weight) and MS (marbling score). Gene-set enrichment analysis and functional annotation of genes in the significantly-associated loci revealed candidate genes, including PLCB1 and PLCB4 present on BTA13, coding for phospholipases, which might be important candidates for increasing fat deposition due to their role in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. CEL (carboxyl ester lipase), a bile-salt activated lipase, responsible for lipid catabolic process was also identified within the significantly-associated haplotype block on BTA11. The results were validated in a different Hanwoo population. The genes and pathways identified in this study may serve as good candidates for improving carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle.
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Abstract
The current livestock management landscape is transitioning to a high-throughput digital era where large amounts of information captured by systems of electro-optical, acoustical, mechanical, and biosensors is stored and analyzed on a daily and hourly basis, and actionable decisions are made based on quantitative and qualitative analytic results. While traditional animal breeding prediction methods have been used with great success until recently, the deluge of information starts to create a computational and storage bottleneck that could lead to negative long-term impacts on herd management strategies if not handled properly. A plethora of machine learning approaches, successfully used in various industrial and scientific applications, made their way in the mainstream approaches for livestock breeding techniques, and current results show that such methods have the potential to match or surpass the traditional approaches, while most of the time they are more scalable from a computational and storage perspective. This article provides a succinct view on what traditional and novel prediction methods are currently used in the livestock breeding field, how successful they are, and how the future of the field looks in the new digital agriculture era.
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