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Feed efficiency in dairy sheep: An insight from the milk transcriptome
Aroa Suárez-Vega1, Pilar Frutos2, Beatriz Gutiérrez-Gil1
1Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|April 20, 2023
Summary
Higher feed efficiency in dairy sheep is linked to mammary gland gene expression. Key genes involved in cell division and lipid metabolism were identified in high feed efficiency animals, offering insights into this complex trait.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genomics
- Ruminant Physiology
- Gene Expression Analysis
Background:
- Feed efficiency in dairy ruminants is crucial for transforming nutrients into milk and milk components.
- Differences in feed efficiency are hypothesized to involve physiological changes in the mammary glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine biological functions associated with feed efficiency in dairy sheep.
- To identify key regulatory genes influencing feed efficiency using the milk somatic cell transcriptome.
Main Methods:
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from high (H-FE) and low (L-FE) feed efficiency ewes were analyzed.
- Differential expression analysis (DEA) and sparse Partial Least Square-Discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) were employed to compare gene expression profiles.
Main Results:
- DEA identified 79 differentially expressed genes between H-FE and L-FE ewes.
- sPLS-DA identified 261 predictive genes discriminating between H-FE and L-FE sheep.
- Genes related to cell division, lipid metabolism, immune system, and stress were highlighted in H-FE and L-FE animals, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The mammary gland transcriptome provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of feed efficiency in dairy sheep.
- Combining univariate and multivariate analyses effectively elucidates complex traits like feed efficiency.
- Specific genes involved in cell proliferation and lipid metabolism are potential targets for improving feed efficiency in dairy sheep.
