1
|
Hu M, Shi L, Yi W, Li F, Yan S. Identification of genomic diversity and selection signatures in Luxi cattle using whole-genome sequencing data. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:461-470. [PMID: 38271971 PMCID: PMC10915192 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and whole-genome selection signatures of Luxi cattle to reveal its genomic characteristics in terms of meat and carcass traits, skeletal muscle development, body size, and other traits. METHODS To further analyze the genomic characteristics of Luxi cattle, this study sequenced the whole-genome of 16 individuals from the core conservation farm in Shandong region, and collected 174 published genomes of cattle for conjoint analysis. Furthermore, three different statistics (pi, Fst, and XP-EHH) were used to detect potential positive selection signatures related to selection in Luxi cattle. Moreover, gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed to reveal the potential biological function of candidate genes harbored in selected regions. RESULTS The results showed that Luxi cattle had high genomic diversity and low inbreeding levels. Using three complementary methods (pi, Fst, and XP-EHH) to detect the signatures of selection in the Luxi cattle genome, there were 2,941, 2,221 and 1,304 potentially selected genes identified, respectively. Furthermore, there were 45 genes annotated in common overlapping genomic regions covered 0.723 Mb, including PLAG1 zinc finger (PLAG1), dedicator of cytokinesis 3 (DOCK3), ephrin A2 (EFNA2), DAZ associated protein 1 (DAZAP1), Ral GTPase activating protein catalytic subunit alpha 1 (RALGAPA1), mediator complex subunit 13 (MED13), and decaprenyl diphosphate synthase subunit 2 (PDSS2), most of which were enriched in pathways related to muscle growth and differentiation and immunity. CONCLUSION In this study, we provided a series of genes associated with important economic traits were found in positive selection regions, and a scientific basis for the scientific conservation and genetic improvement of Luxi cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Hu
- Department of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062,
China
| | - Lulu Shi
- Department of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062,
China
| | - Wenfeng Yi
- Department of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062,
China
| | - Feng Li
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, 256600,
China
| | - Shouqing Yan
- Department of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062,
China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raja TV, Alex R, Singh U, Kumar S, Das AK, Sengar G, Singh AK. Genome wide mining of SNPs and INDELs through ddRAD sequencing in Sahiwal cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4885-4899. [PMID: 37093232 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2200517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The study was conducted in Sahiwal cattle for genome wide identification and annotation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions and deletions (INDELs) in Sahiwal cattle. The double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing, a reduced representation method was used for the identification of variants at nucleotide level. A total of 1,615,211 variants were identified at RD10 and Q30 consisting of 1,480,930 SNPs and 134,281 INDELs with respect to the Bos taurus reference genome. The SNPs were annotated for their location, impact and functional class. The SNPs identified in Sahiwal cattle were found to be associated with a total of 26,229 genes. A total of 1819 SNPs were annotated for 209 candidate genes associated with different production and reproduction traits. The variants identified in the present study may be useful to strengthen the existing bovine SNP chips for reducing the biasness over the taurine cattle breeds. The diversity analysis provides the insight of the genetic architecture of the Sahiwal population Studied. The large genetic variations identified at the nucleotide level provide ample scope for implementing an effective and efficient breed improvement programme for increasing the productivity of Sahiwal cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiruvothur Venkatesan Raja
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cattle Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rani Alex
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Umesh Singh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cattle Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cattle Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Achintya Kumar Das
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cattle Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gyanendra Sengar
- National Research Centre on Pigs, Rani (Near Airport), Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cattle Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Worku D, Hussen J, De Matteis G, Schusser B, Alhussien MN. Candidate genes associated with heat stress and breeding strategies to relieve its effects in dairy cattle: a deeper insight into the genetic architecture and immune response to heat stress. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151241. [PMID: 37771947 PMCID: PMC10527375 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The need for food products of animal origin is increasing worldwide. Satisfying these needs in a way that has minimal impact on the environment requires cutting-edge technologies and techniques to enhance the genetic quality of cattle. Heat stress (HS), in particular, is affecting dairy cattle with increasing frequency and severity. As future climatic challenges become more evident, identifying dairy cows that are more tolerant to HS will be important for breeding dairy herds that are better adapted to future environmental conditions and for supporting the sustainability of dairy farming. While research into the genetics of HS in the context of the effect of global warming on dairy cattle is gaining momentum, the specific genomic regions involved in heat tolerance are still not well documented. Advances in omics information, QTL mapping, transcriptome profiling and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genomic regions and variants associated with tolerance to HS. Such studies could provide deeper insights into the genetic basis for response to HS and make an important contribution to future breeding for heat tolerance, which will help to offset the adverse effects of HS in dairy cattle. Overall, there is a great interest in identifying candidate genes and the proportion of genetic variation associated with heat tolerance in dairy cattle, and this area of research is currently very active worldwide. This review provides comprehensive information pertaining to some of the notable recent studies on the genetic architecture of HS in dairy cattle, with particular emphasis on the identified candidate genes associated with heat tolerance in dairy cattle. Since effective breeding programs require optimal knowledge of the impaired immunity and associated health complications caused by HS, the underlying mechanisms by which HS modulates the immune response and renders animals susceptible to various health disorders are explained. In addition, future breeding strategies to relieve HS in dairy cattle and improve their welfare while maintaining milk production are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Destaw Worku
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Jamal Hussen
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giovanna De Matteis
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, CREA Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin Schusser
- Reproductive Biotechnology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Mohanned Naif Alhussien
- Reproductive Biotechnology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ribeiro G, Baldi F, Cesar ASM, Alexandre PA, Peripolli E, Ferraz JBS, Fukumasu H. Detection of potential functional variants based on systems-biology: the case of feed efficiency in beef cattle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:774. [PMID: 36434498 PMCID: PMC9700932 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08958-y] [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: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential functional variants (PFVs) can be defined as genetic variants responsible for a given phenotype. Ultimately, these are the best DNA markers for animal breeding and selection, especially for polygenic and complex phenotypes. Herein, we described the identification of PFVs for complex phenotypes (in this case, Feed Efficiency in beef cattle) using a systems-biology driven approach based on RNA-seq data from physiologically relevant organs. RESULTS The systems-biology coupled with deep molecular phenotyping by RNA-seq of liver, muscle, hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands of animals with high and low feed efficiency (FE) measured by residual feed intake (RFI) identified 2,000,936 uniquely variants. Among them, 9986 variants were significantly associated with FE and only 78 had a high impact on protein expression and were considered as PFVs. A set of 169 significant uniquely variants were expressed in all five organs, however, only 27 variants had a moderate impact and none of them a had high impact on protein expression. These results provide evidence of tissue-specific effects of high-impact PFVs. The PFVs were enriched (FDR < 0.05) for processing and presentation of MHC Class I and II mediated antigens, which are an important part of the adaptive immune response. The experimental validation of these PFVs was demonstrated by the increased prediction accuracy for RFI using the weighted G matrix (ssGBLUP+wG; Acc = 0.10 and b = 0.48) obtained in the ssGWAS in comparison to the unweighted G matrix (ssGBLUP; Acc = 0.29 and b = 1.10). CONCLUSION Here we identified PFVs for FE in beef cattle using a strategy based on systems-biology and deep molecular phenotyping. This approach has great potential to be used in genetic prediction programs, especially for polygenic phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ribeiro
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, 13635-900 Brazil
| | - Fernando Baldi
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline S. M. Cesar
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Alexandre
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, 13635-900 Brazil ,CSIRO Agriculture & Food, 306 Carmody Rd., St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4067 Australia
| | - Elisa Peripolli
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, 13635-900 Brazil ,grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José B. S. Ferraz
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, 13635-900 Brazil
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, 13635-900 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sustained Effects of Muscle Calpain System Genotypes on Tenderness Phenotypes of South African Beef Bulls during Ageing up to 20 Days. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060686. [PMID: 35327083 PMCID: PMC8944438 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary When searching for genetic markers for the selection of more tender beef, it is important to maintain minimal environmental variation from pre-slaughter, right through to the ageing process, to ensure the accuracy of the obtained phenotypes. This is because beef quality traits have a large environmental component that can greatly alter the characteristics of the meat, which would not reflect a true genetic effect. We propose that variable ageing times are especially important in determining whether markers are associated with tenderization or not. Our analyses included candidate genes for the protein degrading enzyme system for calpains, because they contribute the most to tenderization. We were able to validate these markers in South African beef cattle, where they could be useful for selection. The timing of the collection of tenderness data was critical, as only a few (6/134) genetic markers sustained their association with tenderization over ageing to 20 days. A larger tenderization effect earlier in ageing, as shown here for the capn1_187 and capn1_4751 markers, would decrease the length of ageing. This would not only increase profits, but also decrease the energy needed during the storage and refrigeration of aged beef, decreasing the carbon footprint of beef production. Abstract The most important factor that determines beef tenderness is its proteolytic activity, and the balance between calpain-1 protease activity and calpastatin inhibition is especially important, while contributions can also arise from calpain-2 and, possibly, calpain-3. The meat ageing process itself affects these processes. To determine whether genotypes in the calpain–calpastatin system can enhance tenderness through a 20-day ageing period, South African purebred beef bulls (n = 166) were genotyped using the Illumina BovineHD SNP BeadChip through a gene-based association analysis targeting the cast, capn3, capn2 and capn1 genes. The Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and myofibril fragment length (MFL) of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) steaks were evaluated between d 3 and d 20 of ageing, with protease enzyme activity in the first 20 h post-mortem. Although several of the 134 SNPs are associated with tenderness, only seven SNP in the cast, capn2 and capn1 genes sustained genetic associations, additive to the ageing-associated increases in tenderness for at least three of the four ageing periods. While most genomic associations were relatively stable over time, some genotypes within the SNP responded differently to ageing, resulting in altered genomic effects over time. The level of ageing at which genomic associations are performed is an important factor that determines whether SNPs affect tenderness phenotypes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mdyogolo S, MacNeil MD, Neser FWC, Scholtz MM, Makgahlela ML. Assessing accuracy of genotype imputation in the Afrikaner and Brahman cattle breeds of South Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:90. [PMID: 35133512 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Imputation may be used to rescue genomic data from animals that would otherwise be eliminated due to a lower than desired call rate. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of genotype imputation for Afrikaner, Brahman, and Brangus cattle of South Africa using within- and multiple-breed reference populations. A total of 373, 309, and 101 Afrikaner, Brahman, and Brangus cattle, respectively, were genotyped using the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler 150 K panel that contained 141,746 markers. Markers with MAF ≤ 0.02 and call rates ≤ 0.95 or that deviated from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium frequency with a probability of ≤ 0.0001 were excluded from the data as were animals with a call rate ≤ 0.90. The remaining data included 99,086 SNPs and 360 Afrikaner, 75,291 SNPs and 288 animals Brahman, and 97,897 SNPs and 99 Brangus animals. A total of 7986, 7002, and 7000 SNP from 50 Afrikaner and Brahman and 30 Brangus cattle, respectively, were masked and then imputed using BEAGLE v3 and FImpute v2. The within-breed imputation yielded accuracies ranging from 89.9 to 96.6% for the three breeds. The multiple-breed imputation yielded corresponding accuracies from 69.21 to 88.35%. The results showed that population homogeneity and numerical representation for within and across breed strategies, respectively, are crucial components for improving imputation accuracies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Mdyogolo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa.
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | - M D MacNeil
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Delta G, Miles City, MT, USA
| | - F W C Neser
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - M M Scholtz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - M L Makgahlela
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vanvanhossou SFU, Yin T, Scheper C, Fries R, Dossa LH, König S. Unraveling Admixture, Inbreeding, and Recent Selection Signatures in West African Indigenous Cattle Populations in Benin. Front Genet 2021; 12:657282. [PMID: 34956303 PMCID: PMC8694269 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.657282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dwarf Lagune and the Savannah Somba cattle in Benin are typical representatives of the endangered West African indigenous Shorthorn taurine. The Lagune was previously exported to African and European countries and bred as Dahomey cattle, whereas the Somba contributed to the formation of two indigenous hybrids known as Borgou and Pabli cattle. These breeds are affected by demographic, economic, and environmental pressures in local production systems. Considering current and historical genomic data, we applied a formal test of admixture, estimated admixture proportions, and computed genomic inbreeding coefficients to characterize the five breeds. Subsequently, we unraveled the most recent selection signatures using the cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity approach, based on the current and historical genotypes. Results from principal component analyses and high proportion of Lagune ancestry confirm the Lagune origin of the European Dahomey cattle. Moreover, the Dahomey cattle displayed neither indicine nor European taurine (EUT) background, but they shared on average 40% of autozygosity from common ancestors, dated approximately eight generations ago. The Lagune cattle presented inbreeding coefficients larger than 0.13; however, the Somba and the hybrids (Borgou and Pabli) were less inbred (≤0.08). We detected evidence of admixture in the Somba and Lagune cattle, but they exhibited a similar African taurine (AFT) ancestral proportion (≥96%) to historical populations, respectively. A moderate and stable AFT ancestral proportion (62%) was also inferred for less admixed hybrid cattle including the Pabli. In contrast, the current Borgou samples displayed a lower AFT ancestral proportion (47%) than historical samples (63%). Irrespective of the admixture proportions, the hybrid populations displayed more selection signatures related to economic traits (reproduction, growth, and milk) than the taurine. In contrast, the taurine, especially the Somba, presented several regions known to be associated with adaptive traits (immunity and feed efficiency). The identified subregion of bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) class IIb (including DSB and BOLA-DYA) in Somba cattle is interestingly uncommon in other African breeds, suggesting further investigations to understand its association with specific adaptation to endemic diseases in Benin. Overall, our study provides deeper insights into recent evolutionary processes in the Beninese indigenous cattle and their aptitude for conservation and genetic improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tong Yin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Carsten Scheper
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Ruedi Fries
- Chair of Animal Breeding, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Luc Hippolyte Dossa
- School of Science and Technics of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Naji MM, Utsunomiya YT, Sölkner J, Rosen BD, Mészáros G. Assessing Bos taurus introgression in the UOA Bos indicus assembly. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:96. [PMID: 34922445 PMCID: PMC8684283 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reference genomes are essential in the analysis of genomic data. As the cost of sequencing decreases, multiple reference genomes are being produced within species to alleviate problems such as low mapping accuracy and reference allele bias in variant calling that can be associated with the alignment of divergent samples to a single reference individual. The latest reference sequence adopted by the scientific community for the analysis of cattle data is ARS_UCD1.2, built from the DNA of a Hereford cow (Bos taurus taurus—B. taurus). A complementary genome assembly, UOA_Brahman_1, was recently built to represent the other cattle subspecies (Bos taurus indicus—B. indicus) from a Brahman cow haplotype to further support analysis of B. indicus data. In this study, we aligned the sequence data of 15 B. taurus and B. indicus breeds to each of these references. Results The alignment of B. taurus individuals against UOA_Brahman_1 detected up to five million more single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) compared to that against ARS_UCD1.2. Similarly, the alignment of B. indicus individuals against ARS_UCD1.2 resulted in one and a half million more SNVs than that against UOA_Brahman_1. The number of SNVs with nearly fixed alternative alleles also increased in the alignments with cross-subspecies. Interestingly, the alignment of B. taurus cattle against UOA_Brahman_1 revealed regions with a smaller than expected number of counts of SNVs with nearly fixed alternative alleles. Since B. taurus introgression represents on average 10% of the genome of Brahman cattle, we suggest that these regions comprise taurine DNA as opposed to indicine DNA in the UOA_Brahman_1 reference genome. Principal component and admixture analyses using genotypes inferred from this region support these taurine-introgressed loci. Overall, the flagged taurine segments represent 13.7% of the UOA_Brahman_1 assembly. The genes located within these segments were previously reported to be under positive selection in Brahman cattle, and include functional candidate genes implicated in feed efficiency, development and immunity. Conclusions We report a list of taurine segments that are in the UOA_Brahman_1 assembly, which will be useful for the interpretation of interesting genomic features (e.g., signatures of selection, runs of homozygosity, increased mutation rate, etc.) that could appear in future re-sequencing analysis of indicine cattle. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-021-00688-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maulana M Naji
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuri T Utsunomiya
- AgroPartners Consulting, R. Floriano Peixoto, 120 - Sala 43A - Centro, Araçatuba, SP, 16010-220, Brazil.,Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.,International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre on Animal Genomics and Bioinformatics, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Johann Sölkner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin D Rosen
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Gábor Mészáros
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lashmar SF, Berry DP, Pierneef R, Muchadeyi FC, Visser C. Assessing single-nucleotide polymorphism selection methods for the development of a low-density panel optimized for imputation in South African Drakensberger beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6226920. [PMID: 33860324 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle in applying genomic selection (GS) to uniquely adapted local breeds in less-developed countries has been the cost of genotyping at high densities of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Cost reduction can be achieved by imputing genotypes from lower to higher densities. Locally adapted breeds tend to be admixed and exhibit a high degree of genomic heterogeneity thus necessitating the optimization of SNP selection for downstream imputation. The aim of this study was to quantify the achievable imputation accuracy for a sample of 1,135 South African (SA) Drakensberger cattle using several custom-derived lower-density panels varying in both SNP density and how the SNP were selected. From a pool of 120,608 genotyped SNP, subsets of SNP were chosen (1) at random, (2) with even genomic dispersion, (3) by maximizing the mean minor allele frequency (MAF), (4) using a combined score of MAF and linkage disequilibrium (LD), (5) using a partitioning-around-medoids (PAM) algorithm, and finally (6) using a hierarchical LD-based clustering algorithm. Imputation accuracy to higher density improved as SNP density increased; animal-wise imputation accuracy defined as the within-animal correlation between the imputed and actual alleles ranged from 0.625 to 0.990 when 2,500 randomly selected SNP were chosen vs. a range of 0.918 to 0.999 when 50,000 randomly selected SNP were used. At a panel density of 10,000 SNP, the mean (standard deviation) animal-wise allele concordance rate was 0.976 (0.018) vs. 0.982 (0.014) when the worst (i.e., random) as opposed to the best (i.e., combination of MAF and LD) SNP selection strategy was employed. A difference of 0.071 units was observed between the mean correlation-based accuracy of imputed SNP categorized as low (0.01 < MAF ≤ 0.1) vs. high MAF (0.4 < MAF ≤ 0.5). Greater mean imputation accuracy was achieved for SNP located on autosomal extremes when these regions were populated with more SNP. The presented results suggested that genotype imputation can be a practical cost-saving strategy for indigenous breeds such as the SA Drakensberger. Based on the results, a genotyping panel consisting of ~10,000 SNP selected based on a combination of MAF and LD would suffice in achieving a <3% imputation error rate for a breed characterized by genomic admixture on the condition that these SNP are selected based on breed-specific selection criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon F Lashmar
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Donagh P Berry
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.,Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Rian Pierneef
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Farai C Muchadeyi
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Carina Visser
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dobson LK, Zimin A, Bayles D, Fritz-Waters E, Alt D, Olsen S, Blanchong J, Reecy J, Smith TPL, Derr JN. De novo assembly and annotation of the North American bison (Bison bison) reference genome and subsequent variant identification. Anim Genet 2021; 52:263-274. [PMID: 33780561 DOI: 10.1111/age.13060] [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] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genomic tools have improved the ability to manage bison populations and enhanced efforts to conserve this iconic species. These tools have been particularly useful for detecting introgression of cattle genome within bison herds but are limited by the need to use the cattle genome as a surrogate for mapping reads. This complicates efforts to distinguish the species of origin of chromosomal segments in individual bison at the genomic level. An assembly (Bison_UMD1.0) based on 75X genome coverage by Illumina and 454 reads was generated using the MaSuRCA assembler, generating a 2.81 Gigbases de novo reference genome from American bison. Comparison of bison and domestic cattle references identified 28 443 364 single nucleotide variants and 2 627 645 insertions/deletions distinguishing the species. Sequence alignment of an additional 12 modern bison samples and two historic bison samples to domestic cattle and bison references provides a dataset of genomic variants defining the different species and within-species variation. This first annotated draft assembly represents a resource for the management and conservation of bison, as well as a means to study the effects on the genome of interspecies hybridization. The comparisons of historical bison sequences with the new bison reference identified genomic differences between modern and pre-population bottleneck bison. The results support the application of genomics to enhance future research on disease, the establishment of satellite conservation herds and insight into bison and cattle speciation. The first genome assembly for bison and dataset provides a foundation that can be built upon as genetic technologies improve over the years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L K Dobson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - A Zimin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - D Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - E Fritz-Waters
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - D Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - S Olsen
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - J Blanchong
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - J Reecy
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - T P L Smith
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA-ARS, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - J N Derr
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Angthong P, Uengwetwanit T, Pootakham W, Sittikankaew K, Sonthirod C, Sangsrakru D, Yoocha T, Nookaew I, Wongsurawat T, Jenjaroenpun P, Rungrassamee W, Karoonuthaisiri N. Optimization of high molecular weight DNA extraction methods in shrimp for a long-read sequencing platform. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10340. [PMID: 33240651 PMCID: PMC7668203 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine organisms are important to global food security as they are the largest source of animal proteins feeding mankind. Genomics-assisted aquaculture can increase yield while preserving the environment to ensure sufficient and sustainable production for global food security. However, only few high-quality genome sequences of marine organisms, especially shellfish, are available to the public partly because of the difficulty in the sequence assembly due to the complex nature of their genomes. A key step for a successful genome sequencing is the preparation of high-quality high molecular weight (HMW) genomic DNA. This study evaluated the effectiveness of five DNA extraction protocols (CTAB, Genomic-tip, Mollusc DNA, TIANamp Marine Animals DNA, and Sbeadex livestock kits) in obtaining shrimp HMW DNA for a long-read sequencing platform. DNA samples were assessed for quality and quantity using a Qubit fluorometer, NanoDrop spectrophotometer and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Among the five extraction methods examined without further optimization, the Genomic-tip kit yielded genomic DNA with the highest quality. However, further modifications of these established protocols might yield even better DNA quality and quantity. To further investigate whether the obtained genomic DNA could be used in a long-read sequencing application, DNA samples from the top three extraction methods (CTAB method, Genomic-tip and Mollusc DNA kits) were used for Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) library construction and sequencing. Genomic DNA obtained from Genomic-tip and Mollusc DNA kits allowed successful library construction, while the DNA obtained from the CTAB method did not. Genomic DNA isolated using the Genomic-tip kit yielded a higher number of long reads (N50 of 14.57 Kb) than those obtained from Mollusc DNA kits (N50 of 9.74 Kb). Thus, this study identified an effective extraction method for high-quality HMW genomic DNA of shrimp that can be applied to other marine organisms for a long-read sequencing platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pacharaporn Angthong
- Microarray Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Uengwetwanit
- Microarray Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Wirulda Pootakham
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Kanchana Sittikankaew
- Microarray Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Chutima Sonthirod
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Duangjai Sangsrakru
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Thippawan Yoocha
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Intawat Nookaew
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | - Thidathip Wongsurawat
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanilada Rungrassamee
- Microarray Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri
- Microarray Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mariadassou M, Ramayo-Caldas Y, Charles M, Féménia M, Renand G, Rocha D. Detection of selection signatures in Limousin cattle using whole-genome resequencing. Anim Genet 2020; 51:815-819. [PMID: 32686174 DOI: 10.1111/age.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Limousin, a renowned beef breed originating from central France, has been selectively bred over the last 100 years to improve economically important traits. We used whole-genome sequencing data from 10 unrelated Limousin bull calves to detect polymorphisms and identify regions under selection. A total of 13 943 766 variants were identified. Moreover, 311 852 bi-allelic SNPs and 92 229 indels located on autosomes were fixed for the alternative allele in all sequenced animals, including the previously reported missense deleterious F94L mutation in MSTN. We performed a whole-genome screen to discover genomic regions with excess homozygosity, using the pooled heterozygosity score and identified 171 different candidate selective sweeps. In total, 68 candidate genes were found in only 57 of these regions, indicating that a large fraction of the genome under selection might lie in non-coding regions and suggesting that a majority of adaptive mutations might be regulatory in nature. Many QTL were found within candidate selective sweep regions, including QTL associated with shear force or carcass weight. Among the putative selective sweeps, we located genes (MSTN, NCKAP5, RUNX2) that potentially contribute to important phenotypes in Limousin. Several candidate regions and genes under selection were also found in previous genome-wide selection scans performed in Limousin. In addition, we were able to pinpoint candidate causative regulatory polymorphisms in GRIK3 and RUNX2 that might have been under selection. Our results will contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms and targets of artificial selection and will facilitate the interpretation of GWASs performed in Limousin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Mariadassou
- INRAE, MaIAGE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France
| | - Y Ramayo-Caldas
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France.,Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture, Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, 08140, Spain
| | - M Charles
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France.,INRAE, SIGENAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France
| | - M Féménia
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France
| | - G Renand
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France
| | - D Rocha
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, F-78350, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aramburu O, Ceballos F, Casanova A, Le Moan A, Hemmer-Hansen J, Bekkevold D, Bouza C, Martínez P. Genomic Signatures After Five Generations of Intensive Selective Breeding: Runs of Homozygosity and Genetic Diversity in Representative Domestic and Wild Populations of Turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus). Front Genet 2020; 11:296. [PMID: 32346384 PMCID: PMC7169425 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00296] [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: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) has opened opportunities for analyzing the way in which selection shapes genomes. Artificial or natural selection usually leaves genomic signatures associated with selective sweeps around the responsible locus. Strong selective sweeps are most often identified either by lower genetic diversity than the genomic average and/or islands of runs of homozygosity (ROHi). Here, we conducted an analysis of selective sweeps in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) using two SNP datasets from a Northeastern Atlantic population (36 individuals) and a domestic broodstock (46 individuals). Twenty-six families (∼ 40 offspring per family) from this broodstock and three SNP datasets applying differing filtering criteria were used to adjust ROH calling parameters. The best-fitted genomic inbreeding estimate (FROH) was obtained by the sum of ROH longer than 1 Mb, called using a 21,615 SNP panel, a sliding window of 37 SNPs and one heterozygous SNP per window allowed. These parameters were used to obtain the ROHi distribution in the domestic and wild populations (49 and 0 ROHi, respectively). Regions with higher and lower genetic diversity within each population were obtained using sliding windows of 37 SNPs. Furthermore, those regions were mapped in the turbot genome against previously reported genetic markers associated with QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) and outlier loci for domestic or natural selection to identify putative selective sweeps. Out of the 319 and 278 windows surpassing the suggestive pooled heterozygosity thresholds (ZHp) in the wild and domestic population, respectively, 78 and 54 were retained under more restrictive ZHp criteria. A total of 116 suggestive windows (representing 19 genomic regions) were linked to either QTL for production traits, or outliers for divergent or balancing selection. Twenty-four of them (representing 3 genomic regions) were retained under stricter ZHp thresholds. Eleven QTL/outlier markers were exclusively found in suggestive regions of the domestic broodstock, 7 in the wild population and one in both populations; one (broodstock) and two (wild) of those were found in significant regions retained under more restrictive ZHp criteria in the broodstock and the wild population, respectively. Genome mining and functional enrichment within regions associated with selective sweeps disclosed relevant genes and pathways related to aquaculture target traits, including growth and immune-related pathways, metabolism and response to hypoxia, which showcases how this genome atlas of genetic diversity can be a valuable resource to look for candidate genes related to natural or artificial selection in turbot populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Aramburu
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Ceballos
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adrián Casanova
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alan Le Moan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Hemmer-Hansen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Dorte Bekkevold
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Carmen Bouza
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Paulino Martínez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
SNP Diversity in CD14 Gene Promoter Suggests Adaptation Footprints in Trypanosome Tolerant N'Dama ( Bos taurus) but not in Susceptible White Fulani ( Bos indicus) Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010112. [PMID: 31963925 PMCID: PMC7017169 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010112] [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: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune response to infections has been shown to be mediated by genetic diversity in pattern recognition receptors, leading to disease tolerance or susceptibility. We elucidated naturally occurring variations within the bovine CD14 gene promoter in trypanosome-tolerant (N'Dama) and susceptible (White Fulani) cattle, with genomic and computational approaches. Blood samples were collected from White Fulani and N'Dama cattle, genomic DNA extracted and the entire promoter region of the CD14 gene amplified by PCR. We sequenced this region and performed in silico computation to identify SNP variants, transcription factor binding sites, as well as micro RNAs in the region. CD14 promoter sequences were compared with the reference bovine genome from the Ensembl database to identify various SNPs. Furthermore, we validated three selected N'Dama specific SNPs using custom Taqman SNP genotyping assay for genetic diversity. In all, we identified a total of 54 and 41 SNPs at the CD14 promoter for N'Dama and White Fulani respectively, including 13 unique SNPs present in N'Dama only. The significantly higher SNP density at the CD14 gene promoter region in N'Dama may be responsible for disease tolerance, possibly an evolutionary adaptation. Our genotype analysis of the three loci selected for validation show that mutant alleles (A/A, C/C, and A/A) were adaptation profiles within disease tolerant N'Dama. A similar observation was made for our haplotype analysis revealing that haplotypes H1 (ACA) and H2 (ACG) were significant combinations within the population. The SNP effect prediction revealed 101 and 89 new transcription factor binding sites in N'Dama and White Fulani, respectively. We conclude that disease tolerant N'Dama possessing higher SNP density at the CD14 gene promoter and the preponderance of mutant alleles potentially confirms the significance of this promoter in immune response, which is lacking in susceptible White Fulani. We, therefore, recommend further in vitro and in vivo study of this observation in infected animals, as the next step for understanding genetic diversity relating to varying disease phenotypes in both breeds.
Collapse
|
15
|
Madilindi MA, Banga CB, Bhebhe E, Sanarana YP, Nxumalo KS, Taela MG, Magagula BS, Mapholi NO. Genetic diversity and relationships among three Southern African Nguni cattle populations. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:753-762. [PMID: 31529304 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The Nguni cattle breed has distinct populations that are adapted to the different ecological zones of Southern Africa. This study was carried out to assess genetic diversity and establish the relationships among South African (SA), Mozambican (Landim), and Swazi Nguni cattle populations, using 25 microsatellite markers. Genotypic data were generated from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples of 90 unrelated individuals of the three cattle populations, collected from government conservations and stud herds. DNA profiles of five local beef breeds were used as the reference populations. Most of the 25 microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic across the studied populations, with an overall polymorphic information content (PIC) mean of 0.676. Genetic diversity within populations was high with expected heterozygosity varying from 0.705 ± 0.024 (Landim) to 0.748 ± 0.021 (SA Nguni) and mean number of alleles being highest in the SA Nguni (7.52 ± 0.42). Average observed heterozygosity (0.597 ± 0.046) compared to the expected heterozygosity (0.719 ± 0.022) was lowest for the Swazi Nguni, which also had a high number of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) deviated loci (13), confirming the relatively high level of inbreeding (0.158 ± 0.058) in that population. Analysis of molecular variance revealed only 9.61% of the total variation between the populations and 90.39% within populations. A short genetic distance (0.299) was observed between Landim and Swazi Nguni, with the SA Nguni (> 0.500) being the most genetically distant population. The distant relationship between SA Nguni and the other two Nguni cattle populations was further confirmed by a principal coordinates analysis. The three Nguni populations clustered independently from each other, despite some evidence of admixture. Therefore, it can be concluded that SA Nguni, Landim, and Swazi Nguni populations in Southern Africa exhibit high levels of genetic diversity and are genetically distant; with the two latter populations being less genetically apart. These results present useful information for the development of strategies for regional management of animal genetic resources, through conservation and sustainable utilisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matome A Madilindi
- Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa. .,ARC-Animal Production, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa.
| | - Cuthbert B Banga
- ARC-Animal Production, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa
| | - Evison Bhebhe
- Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | | | | | - Maria G Taela
- Directorate of Animal Science, Agrarian Research Institute of Mozambique, Av. Namaacha Km 11.5, P.O. Box 1410, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Bongani S Magagula
- Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 162, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Ntanganedzeni O Mapholi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|