Genomic Regions Associated with Wool, Growth and Reproduction Traits in Uruguayan Merino Sheep

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes associated with the fiber diameter (FD), clean fleece weight (CFW), live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate (PR) and lambing potential (LP) of Uruguayan Merino sheep. Phenotypic records of approximately 2000 mixed-age ewes were obtained from a Merino nucleus flock. Genome-wide association studies were performed utilizing single-step Bayesian analysis. For wool traits, a total of 35 genomic windows surpassed the significance threshold (PVE ≥ 0.25%). The proportion of the total additive genetic variance explained by those windows was 4.85 and 9.06% for FD and CFW, respectively. There were 42 windows significantly associated with LWM, which collectively explained 43.2% of the additive genetic variance. For BCS, 22 relevant windows accounted for more than 40% of the additive genetic variance, whereas for the reproduction traits, 53 genomic windows (24 and 29 for PR and LP, respectively) reached the suggestive threshold of 0.25% of the PVE. Within the top 10 windows for each trait, we identified several genes showing potential associations with the wool (e.g., IGF-1, TGFB2R, PRKCA), live weight (e.g., CAST, LAP3, MED28, HERC6), body condition score (e.g., CDH10, TMC2, SIRPA, CPXM1) or reproduction traits (e.g., ADCY1, LEPR, GHR, LPAR2) of the mixed-age ewes.

Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed Putative SNPs and Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Meat Traits in Japanese Quail

“…In our study, we discovered a relationship between the LEPR gene and such growth parameters as BW56, DCW, BrW, TW, and ADBWG. It should also be noted that a fairly large number of other studies have demonstrated the LEPR gene effects on growth, productivity, and reproduction in various farm animals [ 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 ], including poultry [ 78 , 92 , 93 , 94 ].…”

Identify Candidate Genes Associated with the Weight and Egg Quality Traits in Wenshui Green Shell-Laying Chickens by the Copy Number Variation-Based Genome-Wide Association Study

“…In cattle, the MED28 gene was found to be associated with body weight and intramuscular fat content [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. In sheep, the MED28 gene was found to be associated with prenatal and postnatal body weights [ 47 , 48 ]. In pigs, the MED28 gene was found to be associated with muscle development [ 49 ].…”

Genomic regions associated with resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in Australian Merino sheep

“…The MED28 gene is involved in milk production in ewes [43,52] and is also related to liveweight [54]. In addition, this gene has been linked to both pre and postnatal body weights in ewes [49,54].…”

“…The MED28 gene is involved in milk production in ewes [43,52] and is also related to liveweight [54]. In addition, this gene has been linked to both pre and postnatal body weights in ewes [49,54]. On the other hand, LAP3 also contributes to growth, milk production and feed efficiency traits in sheep [55].…”