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Genetic factors influencing milk and fat yields in tropically adapted dairy cattle: insights from quantitative trait loci analysis and gene associations |
Thawee Laodim1,2 
, Skorn Koonawootrittriron2,3,*
, Mauricio A. Elzo2,4
, Thanathip Suwanasopee2,3
, Danai Jattawa2,3
, Mattaneeya Sarakul2,5
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1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
2Tropical Animal Genetic Special Research Unit (TAGU), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
3Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
4Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611-0910, FL, USA
5Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Nakhon Phanom University, Nakhon Phanom, 48000, Thailand |
Correspondence:
Skorn Koonawootrittriron, Tel: +66-2-579-1120, Fax: +66-2-579-1120, Email: agrskk@ku.ac.th
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Received: 4 July 2023 • Revised: 27 August 2023 • Accepted: 1 October 2023 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with 305-day milk yield (MY) and fat yield (FY) that also influence the adaptability of the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population to tropical conditions.
Methods
A total of 75,776 imputed and actual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 2,661 animals were used to identify genomic regions associated with MY and FY using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictions. Fixed effects included herd-yearseason, breed regression, heterosis regression and calving age regression effects. Random effects were animal additive genetic and residual. Individual SNPs with a p-value smaller than 0.05 were selected for gene mapping, function analysis, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) annotation analysis.
Results
A substantial number of QTLs associated with MY (9,334) and FY (8,977) were identified by integrating SNP genotypes and QTL annotations. Notably, we discovered 17 annotated QTLs within the health and exterior QTL classes, corresponding to nine unique genes. Among these genes, Rho GTPase activating protein 15 (ARHGAP15) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) have previously been linked to physiological traits associated with tropical adaptation in various cattle breeds. Interestingly, these two genes also showed signs of positive selection, indicating their potential role in conferring tolerance to trypanosomiasis, a prevalent tropical disease.
Conclusion
Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of MY and FY in the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of tropical adaptation. The identified genes represent promising targets for future breeding strategies aimed at improving milk and fat production while ensuring resilience to tropical challenges. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the genetic factors influencing milk production and adaptability in dairy cattle, facilitating the development of sustainable genetic selection strategies and breeding programs in tropical environments. |
| Keywords:
Adaptation; Dairy Cattle; Fat Yield; Milk Yield; Gene Associations; Tropics |
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