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Feet and legs malformation in Nellore cattle: genetic analysis and prioritization of GWAS results

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Author(s):
Silva, Thales de Lima ; Gondro, Cedric ; Fonseca, Pablo Augusto de Souza ; da Silva, Delvan Alves ; Vargas, Giovana ; Neves, Haroldo Henrique de Rezende ; Filho, Ivan Carvalho ; Teixeira, Caio de Souza ; de Albuquerque, Lucia Galvao ; Carvalheiro, Roberto
Total Authors: 10
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN GENETICS; v. 14, p. 10-pg., 2023-08-16.
Abstract

Beef cattle affected by feet and legs malformations (FLM) cannot perform their productive and reproductive functions satisfactorily, resulting in significant economic losses. Accelerated weight gain in young animals due to increased fat deposition can lead to ligaments, tendon and joint strain and promote gene expression patterns that lead to changes in the normal architecture of the feet and legs. The possible correlated response in the FLM due to yearling weight (YW) selection suggest that this second trait could be used as an indirect selection criterion. Therefore, FLM breeding values and the genetic correlation between FLM and yearling weight (YW) were estimated for 295,031 Nellore animals by fitting a linear-threshold model in a Bayesian approach. A genome-wide association study was performed to identify genomic windows and positional candidate genes associated with FLM. The effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on FLM phenotypes (affected or unaffected) were estimated using the weighted single-step genomic BLUP method, based on genotypes of 12,537 animals for 461,057 SNPs. Twelve non-overlapping windows of 20 adjacent SNPs explaining more than 1% of the additive genetic variance were selected for candidate gene annotation. Functional and gene prioritization analysis of candidate genes identified six genes (ATG7, EXT1, ITGA1, PPARD, SCUBE3, and SHOX) that may play a role in FLM expression due to their known role in skeletal muscle development, aberrant bone growth, lipid metabolism, intramuscular fat deposition and skeletogenesis. Identifying genes linked to foot and leg malformations enables selective breeding for healthier herds by reducing the occurrence of these conditions. Genetic markers can be used to develop tests that identify carriers of these mutations, assisting breeders in making informed breeding decisions to minimize the incidence of malformations in future generations, resulting in greater productivity and animal welfare. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/20026-8 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2017/10630-2: server
Grantee:Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
FAPESP's process: 17/10630-2 - Genetic aspects of meat production quality, efficiency and sustainability in Nelore breed animals
Grantee:Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants