Affiliation:
1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
2. Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
3. Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Abstract
Reproductive traits hold considerable economic importance in pig breeding and production. However, candidate genes underpinning the reproductive traits are still poorly identified. In the present study, we executed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis using the PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array for 585 Yorkshire pigs. Results from the GWAS identified two genome-wide significant and eighteen suggestive significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with seven reproductive traits. Furthermore, we identified candidate genes, including ELMO1, AOAH, INSIG2, NUP205, LYPLAL1, RPL34, LIPH, RNF7, GRK7, ETV5, FYN, and SLC30A5, which were chosen due to adjoining significant SNPs and their functions in immunity, fertilization, embryonic development, and sperm quality. Several genes were found in ROH islands associated with spermatozoa, development of the fetus, mature eggs, and litter size, including INSL6, TAF4B, E2F7, RTL1, CDKN1C, and GDF9. This study will provide insight into the genetic basis for pig reproductive traits, facilitating reproduction improvement using the marker-based selection methods.
Funder
Extraction of Fining gene in Zaozhuang Black Cover Pig
Starting Foundation for Outstanding Young Scientists of Henan Agricultural University
Grand Science and Technology Special Project in Tibet
National Science Foundation of China
National Key R&D Program
Subject
Genetics (clinical),Genetics