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Direct and maternal genetic effects on body weight maturing patterns in mice.
W R Williams1, E J Eisen, J Nagai
1Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Direct and maternal genetic effects influence mouse body weight maturation. Direct genetic effects were more significant than maternal effects, impacting growth rates and maturity patterns across different populations.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Understanding genetic influences on growth and maturation is crucial for animal breeding and developmental studies.
- Crossfostering designs effectively disentangle direct genetic effects from maternal environmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate direct and maternal genetic effects on body weight maturation patterns in mice.
- To partition population differences into genetic origin, selection responses, heterosis, and cytoplasmic/sex-linked effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a crossfostering design with selected (M16, H6) and control (ICR, C2) mouse populations and their reciprocal F1 crosses.
- Calculated degree of maturity and absolute/relative maturing rates at various ages.
- Analyzed genetic origin, correlated selection responses, heterosis, and cytoplasmic/sex-linked effects.
Main Results:
- Direct genetic effects were generally more important than maternal genetic effects for maturity traits.
- Correlated responses to selection for maturity traits were more pronounced in the M16 population.
- Positive direct genetic effects were observed for relative maturing rates and later absolute maturing rates; heterosis was positive for maturity degree but initially positive then negative for maturing rates.
Conclusions:
- Direct genetic effects play a dominant role in shaping mouse body weight maturation patterns.
- Selection for rapid growth has led to significant correlated responses in maturity traits, with varying effects depending on the population and age.
- Maternal effects and cytoplasmic/sex-linked factors have minimal impact on these maturation patterns.
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