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Genome-wide association studies for methane emission and ruminal volatile fatty acids using Holstein cattle sequence
Ali Jalil Sarghale1,2, Mohammad Moradi Shahrebabak3, Hossein Moradi Shahrebabak1
1Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-11167, Iran.
BMC Genetics
|November 24, 2020
Summary
Researchers identified 33 genetic markers associated with methane production traits in Iranian Holstein cattle. This finding supports using genomic selection to reduce methane emissions, aiding livestock producers in sustainable farming practices.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Genomics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Ruminant methane emissions significantly contribute to global warming.
- Understanding the genetic basis of methane production is crucial for mitigation strategies in livestock.
- Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) serve as indicators for predicting methane emission (PME).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genomic regions associated with predicted methane emission (PME) in Iranian Holstein cattle.
- To analyze the genetic architecture of PME using volatile fatty acid (VFA) indicators and traits.
- To leverage imputed whole-genome sequence data for genetic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using imputed whole-genome sequence data.
- Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with PME and VFA traits.
- Gene ontology (GO) analysis to identify candidate genes and their functions.
- Annotation of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) near significant SNPs.
Main Results:
- 33 significant SNPs were detected for PME and valeric acid traits.
- 69 candidate genes were identified within 1 Mb of significant SNPs, with enrichment in olfactory receptor activity for PME traits.
- Identified SNPs were located near 31 QTLs related to milk yield, body weight, and residual feed intake, which are correlated with PME.
Conclusions:
- Genomic regions and candidate genes associated with PME and VFA traits were identified in Iranian Holstein cattle.
- Findings suggest marker-assisted and genomic selection can improve PME phenotypes.
- Predicting methane emission using VFA indicators can enhance GWAS and genomic selection reference populations.
