Population Structure Analysis and Candidate Gene Screening for Twinning Trait in Simmental Cattle.

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Population Genomics
• Quantitative Trait Loci

Background:

• Chinese Simmental cattle are a key dual-purpose breed in Xinjiang, China.
• Understanding their population structure and genetic basis for traits like twinning is crucial for breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of Chinese Simmental cattle.
• To identify genes associated with the twinning trait in Xinjiang Simmental cattle.

Main Methods:

• Integrated genomic data from global databases for population structure analysis.
• Conducted genome-wide selection signature analysis, including Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) and admixture analysis.
• Utilized Fst and θπ analysis to screen for candidate genes related to twinning.

Main Results:

• Population genetic analysis revealed distinct genetic differentiation among geographical groups, with Xinjiang exhibiting rapid LD decay and abundant diversity.
• Inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0.036 to 0.063 across populations.
• Identified 89 candidate genes associated with twinning, including CYP19A1 and HORMAD1, linked to reproductive functions.

Conclusions:

• Genome-wide analysis deepens understanding of Simmental cattle population structures across regions.
• Identified novel candidate genes and molecular markers for enhancing fecundity and twinning traits in Simmental cattle breeding.