Identification of Candidate Genes and Pathways Linked to the Temperament Trait in Sheep

Abstract

Temperament can be defined as the emotional variability among animals of the same species in response to the same stimulus, grouping animals by their reactivity as nervous, intermediate, or calm. Our goal was to identify genomic regions with the temperament phenotype measured by the Isolation Box Test (IBT) by single-step genome-wide association studies (ssGWAS). The database consisted of 4317 animals with temperament records, and 1697 genotyped animals with 38,268 effective Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) after quality control. We identified three genomic regions that explained the greatest percentage of the genetic variance, resulting in 25 SNP associated with candidate genes on chromosomes 6, 10, and 21. A total of nine candidate genes are reported for the temperament trait, which is: PYGM, SYVN1, CAPN1, FADS1, SYT7, GRID2, GPRIN3, EEF1A1 and FRY, linked to the energetic activity of the organism, synaptic transmission, meat tenderness, and calcium associated activities. This is the first study to identify these genetic variants associated with temperament in sheep, which could be used as molecular markers in future behavioral research.

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

“…On the other hand, LAP3 also contributes to growth, milk production and feed efficiency traits in sheep [55]. The GPRIN3 gene has been linked to prolificacy, litter size [56] and temperament in sheep [57].…”

Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat

“…It is strongly related to dry matter intake, average daily gain, birth weight and milk fat yield in cattle [62]. However, earlier research indicated that GRID2 plays a role in the sexual maturity of Simmental cattle, the temperament trait of sheep and the litter size of goat [63][64][65]. On BOE, key genes associated with traits such as fertility (BIRC6), disease resistance (PDCD1LG2, SVIL), cold tolerance (PRDM16), bone development (ACYP2), meat production (CFAP74) and growth performance (SMG6) were discovered.…”