Genome-wide association for growth traits in Canchim beef cattle

PLoS One. 2014 Apr 14;9(4):e94802. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094802. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Studies are being conducted on the applicability of genomic data to improve the accuracy of the selection process in livestock, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide valuable information to enhance the understanding on the genetics of complex traits. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes that play roles in birth weight (BW), weaning weight adjusted for 210 days of age (WW), and long-yearling weight adjusted for 420 days of age (LYW) in Canchim cattle. GWAS were performed by means of the Generalized Quasi-Likelihood Score (GQLS) method using genotypes from the BovineHD BeadChip and estimated breeding values for BW, WW, and LYW. Data consisted of 285 animals from the Canchim breed and 114 from the MA genetic group (derived from crossings between Charolais sires and ½ Canchim + ½ Zebu dams). After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 10% significance level, a total of 4, 12, and 10 SNPs were significantly associated with BW, WW, and LYW, respectively. These SNPs were surveyed to their corresponding genes or to surrounding genes within a distance of 250 kb. The genes DPP6 (dipeptidyl-peptidase 6) and CLEC3B (C-type lectin domain family 3 member B) were highlighted, considering its functions on the development of the brain and skeletal system, respectively. The GQLS method identified regions on chromosome associated with birth weight, weaning weight, and long-yearling weight in Canchim and MA animals. New candidate regions for body weight traits were detected and some of them have interesting biological functions, of which most have not been previously reported. The observation of QTL reports for body weight traits, covering areas surrounding the genes (SNPs) herein identified provides more evidence for these associations. Future studies targeting these areas could provide further knowledge to uncover the genetic architecture underlying growth traits in Canchim cattle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birth Weight / genetics
  • Brazil
  • Cattle / genetics*
  • Cattle / growth & development*
  • Chromosomes, Mammalian / genetics
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Genotype
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Weaning

Grants and funding

MEB would like to thank the “National Council of Technological and Scientific Development” (CNPq) (grantee n. 142053/2010-4) and the “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior” (Capes) (grantee n. 5285-11-9). DAG was supported by a Post-Doctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph. DPM, MVGBS, LCAR and MMA were supported by a fellowship from CNPq. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.