Genome-wide association for heifer reproduction and calf performance traits in beef cattle.
The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers that associate with variation in beef heifer reproduction and performance of their calves. A genome-wide association study was performed by means of the generalized quasi-likelihood score (GQLS) method using heifer genotypes from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and estimated breeding values for pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pregnancy rate (PR), calving difficulty (CD), age at first calving (AFC), calf birth weight (BWT), calf weaning weight (WWT), and calf pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Data consisted of 785 replacement heifers from three Canadian research herds, namely Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Ranch, Kinsella, Alberta, and Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta. After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 5% significance level, a total of 4, 3, 3, 9, 6, 2, and 1 SNPs were significantly associated with PBW, PR, CD, AFC, BWT, WWT, and ADG, respectively. These SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 5-7, 9, 13-16, 19-21, 24, 25, and 27-29. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 24 had SNPs with pleiotropic effects. New significant SNPs that impact functional traits were detected, many of which have not been previously reported. The results of this study support quantitative genetic studies related to the inheritance of these traits, and provides new knowledge regarding beef cattle quantitative trait loci effects. The identification of these SNPs provides a starting point to identify genes affecting heifer reproduction traits and performance of their calves (BWT, WWT, and ADG). They also contribute to a better understanding of the biology underlying these traits and will be potentially useful in marker- and genome-assisted selection and management.
a Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Everestus C
EC
Akanno
a Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Graham
G
Plastow
a Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|b Lacombe Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada.
Carolyn
C
Fitzsimmons
a Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|e AgResearch Limited, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
Stephen P
SP
Miller
b Lacombe Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada.
Vern
V
Baron
d Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Kimberly
K
Ominski
a Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|c Lacombe Research Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada.
John A
JA
Basarab
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D005828:Genetics, Population; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D005838:Genotype; D040582:Inheritance Patterns; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D019655:Quantitative Trait, Heritable; D000069466:Red Meat / Q000592:standards*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics*
GWAS; SNP; allele substitution; beef cattle; bovin de boucherie; effet génotypique; genotypic effect; heifer reproduction; reproduction des génisses; substitution d’allèles