Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
13:33
Infinium Assay for Large-scale SNP Genotyping Applications
Published on: November 19, 2013
41.3K
A genome-wide scan for selection signatures in Nellore cattle
A L Somavilla1, T S Sonstegard, R H Higa
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Melhoramento Animal, UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brasil.
Animal Genetics
|September 4, 2014
Summary
Researchers identified recent artificial selection signatures in Brazilian Nellore cattle using high-density markers. This analysis revealed key genome regions and genes influencing traits like reproduction, growth, and meat quality, aiding future breeding strategies.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Genomics
- Livestock Breeding
Background:
- Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos indicus) have undergone extensive selection for growth for over 40 years.
- Increasing demand for beef exports and consumption highlights the importance of reproductive and meat quality traits.
- Understanding artificial selection signatures can improve breeding tools and selection efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect recent selection signatures in the Nellore cattle genome.
- To identify genes associated with important production and quality traits under selection.
- To leverage genomic insights for enhanced cattle breeding.
Main Methods:
- Utilized extended haplotype homozygosity (EHC) methodology.
- Employed high-density BovineHD marker genotypes (>777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms).
- Analyzed genome-wide data to pinpoint regions under recent artificial selection.
Main Results:
- Identified 31 significant regions (P < 0.0001) with recent selection signatures.
- Found 19 regions overlapping with quantitative trait loci for reproduction, growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, fatty acids, and immunity.
- Annotated 545 genes within selection signature regions, with 58 linked to growth, metabolism, reproduction, or immunity.
Conclusions:
- Relative EHC analysis of high-density SNP data successfully identified regions under artificial selection in Nellore cattle.
- These findings provide insights into autozygosity and the impact of selection on the Nellore genome.
- The identified genomic regions and genes can inform the development of advanced breeding tools for Nellore cattle improvement.
Related Concept Videos
02:46Genetic Screens
4.6K
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
4.6K
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
12.3K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
12.3K
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
14.3K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
14.3K