The Tibetan chicken is a native Chinese breed that lives at high elevations and has adapted to the extreme environmental conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. However, its hypoxic adaptation at the gene expression level is unclear. Here, we sequenced nine lung transcriptomes of the Tibetan chicken at three developmental stages (5 and 42 weeks and 4.5 years). A total of 1.02 billion clean reads were obtained

Selective breeding of tilapia populations started in the early 1990s and over the past three decades tilapia has become one of the most important farmed freshwater species, being produced in more than 125 countries around the globe. Although genome assemblies have been available since 2011, most of the tilapia industry still depends on classical selection techniques using mass spawning or pedigree

In humans and mice, melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) and melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) can form a complex and control energy balance, thus regulating body weight and obesity. In pigs, a missense variant (p.Asp298Asn) of MC4R has been suggested to be associated with growth and fatness; however, the effect of Asp298Asn substitution on MC4R function is controversial, limiting its application

The heterogeneity of climate and different agro‐ecological conditions in Iran have resulted in development of 27 indigenous sheep breeds. Wild Asiatic mouflon (Ovis orientalis ) is believed to be the ancestor of Iranian sheep. Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure within and among domestic breeds has important implications for animal breeding programs and genetic resources management

The chicken gizzard is the primary digestive and absorptive organ regulating food intake and metabolism. Body weight is a typical complex trait regulated by an interactive polygene network which is under the control of an interacting network of polygenes. To simplify these genotype–phenotype associations, the gizzard is a suitable target organ to preliminarily explore the mechanism underlying the regulation

Domestication of the Bovini species (taurine cattle, zebu, yak, river buffalo and swamp buffalo) since the early Holocene (ca. 10 000 BCE) has contributed significantly to the development of human civilization. In this study, we review recent literature on the origin and phylogeny, domestication and dispersal of the three major Bos species – taurine cattle, zebu and yak – and their genetic interactions

The more complex 3′ UTR in higher organisms may have the function of increasing post‐transcriptional gene regulation. Recent RNA sequencing technologies have provided us with the possibility to capture the complete 3′ UTR landscape of different species and cells. However, no systematic analysis of sheep‐related 3′ UTR has been performed. Here, we conducted a detailed analysis of the 3′ UTR with the

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is one of the leading causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. About 6% of Labrador Retrievers suffer from this orthopedic problem. The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of CCLR in this breed using SNP array genotyping data. DNA samples were collected from CCLR‐affected dogs (n  = 190) and unaffected dogs over the age of 8 years (n  = 143).

Feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most economically and environmentally relevant traits in the animal production sector. The objective of this study was to gain knowledge about the genetic control of FE in rabbits. To this end, GWASs were conducted for individual growth under two feeding regimes (full feeding and restricted) and FE traits collected from cage groups, using 114 604 autosome SNPs segregating

The main objectives of this study were to identify and functionally classify SNPs and indels by exome sequencing of animals of the racing line of Quarter Horses. Based on the individual genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for maximum speed index (SImax) obtained for 349 animals, two groups of 20 extreme animals were formed. Of these individuals, 20 animals with high GEBVs for SImax and 19 with

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) records pedigree and performance information for their breed, a stock‐type horse valued as a working farm or ranch horse and as a pleasure horse. As the name implies, the breed is also valued for its attractive white‐spotting patterns on the coat. The APHA utilizes visual inspections of photographs to determine if coat spotting exceeds threshold anatomical

Limousin, a renowned beef breed originating from central France, has been selectively bred over the last 100 years to improve economically important traits. We used whole‐genome sequencing data from 10 unrelated Limousin bull calves to detect polymorphisms and identify regions under selection. A total of 13 943 766 variants were identified. Moreover, 311 852 bi‐allelic SNPs and 92 229 indels located

A recessive form of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) was detected 20 years ago in the Swiss Large White (SLW) pig population. A diagnostic marker test enabled the identification of carrier animals, but the underlying causal mutation remains unknown. To identify the mutation underlying AMC, we collected SNP chip genotyping data for 11 affected piglets and 23 healthy pigs. Association testing

In order to find SNPs and genes affecting shank traits, we performed a GWAS in a chicken F2 population of eight half‐sib families from five hatches derived from reciprocal crosses between an Arian fast‐growing line and an Urmia indigenous slow‐growing chicken. A total of 308 birds were genotyped using a 60K chicken SNP chip. Shank traits including shank length and diameter were measured weekly from

Cryptorchidism is the most common disorder of sex development in dogs and testosterone plays a crucial role in the inguinal phase of the testes descending into the scrotum. The molecular background of impaired testosterone synthesis in the testes of cryptorchid dogs is poorly elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression of four genes involved in testicular steroidogenesis (CYP17A1 , CYP19A1

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a hereditary blistering disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It has been reported in humans, cattle, buffaloes and dogs, but so far not in cats. In humans, EBS is most frequently caused by variants in the KRT5 or KRT14 genes. Here, we report a case of feline epidermolysis bullosa simplex and describe the causative genetic variant. An 11‐month‐old male

Predicting bull fertility prior to breeding is a current challenge for the dairy industry. The use of molecular biomarkers has been previously assessed. However, the integration of this information has not been performed to extract biologically relevant markers. The goal of this study was to integrate DNA methylation data with previously published RNA‐sequencing results in order to identify candidate

Heat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The main objective of this study was to dissect the genetic basis underlying dairy cow fertility under heat stress conditions. Our first goal was to estimate genetic components of cow conception across lactations considering heat stress. Our second goal was to reveal individual genes and functional gene‐sets that explain a cow’s

The cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)‐regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) is a member of the CRTC protein family and plays an important role in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine if the expression of porcine CRTC3 is related to intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and meat quality in Heigai pigs (a local fatty breed in China) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire

Pigs are one of the earliest domesticated animals and multiple breeds have been developed to meet the various demands of consumers. EigenGWAS is a novel strategy to identify candidate genes that underlying population genetic differences and to infer candidate regions under selection as well. In this study, EigenGWAS and F st analyses were performed using the public re‐sequencing data of three typical

In this study, we identified copy number variants (CNVs) in 19 European autochthonous pig breeds and in two commercial breeds (Italian Large White and Italian Duroc) that represent important genetic resources for this species. The genome of 725 pigs was sequenced using a breed‐specific DNA pooling approach (30–35 animals per pool) obtaining an average depth per pool of 42×. This approach maximised

Pleistocene climatic fluctuations may have had a profound impact on the evolutionary history of many species. The geographical pattern of European wild boar (Sus scrofa ) is clearly studied, and it was greatly influenced by ancient climatic events, especially the Last Glacial Maximum. Previous research on genetic variation has mainly focused on the origin and distribution histories of domestic pigs

Parathyroid hormone (PTH ) is a crucial regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling, and the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R ) belongs to a class II G‐protein‐coupled receptor. PTH activates PTH1R , which mediates catabolic and anabolic processes in the skeleton. However, the functional mechanism of PTH1R has not been thoroughly elucidated in organisms. This study identified a 51 bp

Heteropaternal superfecundation may be defined as the fertilisation of two or more ova during the same oestrus cycle as a result of more than one coital act from different males; this results in foetuses being born in the same litter of the same age but different paternity. Heteropaternal superfecundation is more likely to occur in poly‐ovulatory species like sheep; moreover, female sheep are often

Mutations in lipase H (LIPH ) and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6 ), which are essential for the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signalling pathway, are associated with hypotrichosis and wooly hair in humans. Mutations in LPAR6 and keratin 71 (KRT71 ), result in unusual fur growth and hair structure in several cat breeds (Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Selkirk Rex). Here, we performed target sequencing

Autochthonous cattle breeds are an important part of cultural heritage and reservoir of genetic diversity. Usually, such breeds have been selected over centuries and reflect adaptation to a specific local environment and human demands. However, owing to low effective population size in conjunction with increased inbreeding and genetic drift, many of these lineages are threatened with extinction. The

The number of teats is a morphological trait that influences the mothering ability of the sows and thus their reproduction performances. In this study, we carried out GWASs for the total number of teats and other 12 related parameters in 821 Italian Large White heavy pigs. All pigs were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip array. For four investigated parameters (total number of teats

We report haplotype‐based GWASs for 33 blood parameters measured in 843 Italian Large White pigs. In the single‐trait analysis, a total of 30 QTL for number of basophils, six erythrocyte traits (haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume and red blood cell count) and two clinical–biochemical traits (alkaline phosphatase

An 11G nucleotide repeat in the 3′ UTR of FAM174A was recently postulated as a risk allele with a dominant mode of inheritance for equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and laminitis status in Arabian horses. The objective of this project was to evaluate this hypothesis in a large and diverse across‐breed population. A total of 301 ponies, 292 Morgans, 64 Arabians, 49 Tennessee Walking Horses and 59 Quarter

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) is a prominent farmed fish in aquaculture worldwide. Crossbreeding has recently been carried out between the Red‐Stirling and the wt Chitralada strains of Nile tilapia, producing a heterotic hybrid (7/8 Chitralada and 1/8 Red‐Stirling) that combines the superior growth performance of the Chitralada with the reddish coloration of the Red‐Stirling strain. While

Canine hip dysplasia is characterized by poor hip joint conformation and laxity. The disease is a complex trait influenced by both genetics and environment. Diagnosis and quantification of hip dysplasia are performed by radiographic examination of the hip joint and the diagnosis is used for making breeding decisions in many breeds. A prognostic genetic test (the Dysgen test) based on seven associated

Pakistani camels have been classified socio‐geographically into 20 breeds, but they have not yet been subjected to substantial selective pressures and the genetic basis for these breeds is not understood. However, it should be possible to distinguish them by use of molecular data. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure within and between two major Pakistani camel breeds

Milk production is one of the most important characteristics of dairy sheep, and the identification of genes affecting milk production traits is critical to understanding the genetics and improve milk production in future generations. Three statistical techniques, namely GWAS, ridge‐regression BLUP and BayesC , were used to identify SNPs in significant association with three milk production traits

In dogs and cats, unusual coat colour phenotypes may result from various phenomena, including chimerism. In the domestic cat, the tortoiseshell coat colour that combines red and non‐red hairs is the most obvious way to identify chimeras in males. Several cases of tortoiseshell males have been reported, some of which were diagnosed as chimeras without any molecular confirmation. Here, we report the

Meat quality improvement is of great interest to researchers in pig breeding and many researchers have identified abundant associated quantitative trait loci, genes and polymorphisms (QTXs) for fat‐related traits. However, it is challenging to determine credible candidate genes from a mass of associations. The efficiency of identification of credible candidate genes in these QTXs is restricted by limited

Equine Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) is a monogenetic defect of connective tissue with autosomal recessive inheritance. Foals born with WFFS manifest hyper‐extendible, abnormally thin, fragile skin that rips easily. WFFS is caused by the missense variant g.39927817C>T (rs1136065234; NC_009145.3, EquCab3.0) within the last exon of the PLOD1 (procollagen‐lysine, 2‐oxoglutarate 5‐dioxygenase

Thermal stress limits beef cattle production and a shorter hair coat is a key thermoregulative adaptation that allows cattle to lose heat more efficiently. The objective of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with the length of the undercoat and topcoat of cattle utilizing 1456 Brangus heifers genotyped with the Bovine GGP F250 array. Seven SNPs in the PCCA gene were significantly

With the availability of a new highly contiguous Bos taurus reference genome assembly (ARS‐UCD1.2), it is the opportune time to upgrade the bovine gene set by seeking input from researchers. Furthermore, advances in graphical genome annotation tools now make it possible for researchers to leverage sequence data generated with the latest technologies to collaboratively curate genes. For many years the

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens , is an emerging biotechnological agent with its larvae being effective converters of organic waste into usable bio‐products including protein and lipids. To date, most operations use unimproved commercial populations produced by mass rearing, without cognisance of specific breeding strategies. The genetic and phenotypic consequences of these commercial practices

Readers should note that in Torrecilha et al. (2020), Dr. Claire M. Wade should be included in the list of co‐authors as follows: R.B.P. Torrecilha, M. Milanesi, C.M. Wade, M. Gallana, A.K. Falbo, I.M. Reichler, P. Hug, V. Jagannathan, B.B. Trigo, S.C. Paulan, D.B. Bruno, S.D. Garcia, N.F. Scaramele, F.L. Lopes, G. Dolf, T. Leeb, J. Sölkner, J.F. Garcia, A. Pieńkowska‐Schelling, C. Schelling and Y

High-altitude areas are important socio-economical habitats with ruminants serving as a major source of food and commodities for humans. Living at high altitude, however, is extremely challenging, predominantly due to the exposure to hypoxic conditions, but also because of cold temperatures and limited feed for livestock. To survive in high-altitude environments over the long term, ruminants have evolved

Horns are paired appendages on the head of bovine species, comprising an inner bony core and outer keratin sheath. The horn bud forms during early fetal development but ossification of the developing horn does not occur until approximately 1 month after birth. Little is known about the genetic pathways that lead to horn growth. Hornless, or polled, animals are found in all domestic bovids. Histological

The domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is found on all five continents, with a global population of some 202 million. The livelihoods of more people depend on this species than on any other domestic animal. The two distinct types (river and swamp) descended from different wild Asian water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) populations that diverged some 900 kyr BP and then evolved in separate geographical

The objective of this study was to compare accuracies of different Bayesian regression models in predicting molecular breeding values for health traits in Holstein cattle. The dataset was composed of 2505 records reporting the occurrence of retained fetal membranes (RFM), metritis (MET), mastitis (MAST), displaced abomasum (DA), lameness (LS), clinical endometritis (CE), respiratory disease (RD), dystocia

High blood cholesterol concentration, mainly caused by high dietary cholesterol, is a potential risk factor for human health. Dairy products are important sources of human dietary cholesterol intake. Therefore, monitoring bovine milk cholesterol concentration is important for human health benefit. Genetic selection for improvement of cow milk cholesterol content requires understanding of the genetics

Brazilian beef cattle are raised predominantly on pasture in a wide range of environments. In this scenario, genotype by environment (G×E) interaction is an important source of phenotypic variation in the reproductive traits. Hence, the evaluation of G×E interactions for heifer's early pregnancy (HP) and scrotal circumference (SC) traits in Nellore cattle, belonging to three breeding programs, was

Some livestock breeds face the challenge of reduced genetic variation, increased inbreeding depression owing to genetic drift and selection. Hybridization can reverse these processes and increase levels of productivity and adaptation to various environmental stressors. Samples from American Brangus were used to evaluate the indicine/taurine composition through nine generations (~45 years) after the

Melanocortin 1-receptor (MC1R) is one of the major genes that controls chicken plumage colour. In this study, we investigated the sequence and haplotype distribution of the MC1R gene in native Japanese chickens, along with non-Japanese chicken breeds. In total, 732 and 155 chickens from 30 Japanese and eight non-Japanese breeds respectively were used. Three synonymous and 11 non-synonymous nucleotide

In genomic selection (GS), genome-wide SNP markers are used to generate genomic estimated breeding values for selection candidates. The application of GS in shellfish looks promising and has the potential to help in dealing with one of the main issues currently affecting Pacific oyster production worldwide, which is the 'summer mortality syndrome'. This causes periodic mass mortality in farms worldwide

The present study focuses on the Belgian Milk Sheep in Flanders (Belgium) and compares its genetic diversity and relationship with the Flemish Sheep, the Friesian Milk Sheep, the French Lacaune dairy sheep and other Northern European breeds. For this study, 94 Belgian Milk Sheep, 23 Flemish Sheep and 22 Friesian Milk Sheep were genotyped with the OvineSNP50 array. In addition, 29 unregistered animals

In dairy sheep flocks from Mediterranean countries, replacement and adult ewes are the animals most affected by gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. In this study, we have exploited the information derived from an RNA‐Seq experiment with the aim of identifying potential causal mutations related to GIN resistance in sheep. Considering the RNA‐Seq samples from 12 ewes previously classified as

Entropion is a known congenital disorder in sheep presumed to be heritable but no causative genetic variant has been reported. Affected lambs show a variable inward rolling of the lower eyelids leading to blindness in severe cases. In Switzerland, the Swiss White Alpine (SWA) breed showed a significantly higher prevalence for entropion than other breeds. A GWAS using 150 SWA sheep (90 affected lambs

Selection for performance in diverse production settings has resulted in variation across sheep breeds worldwide. Although sheep are an important species to the United States, the current genetic relationship among many terminal sire breeds is not well characterized. Suffolk, Hampshire, Shropshire and Oxford (terminal) and Rambouillet (dual purpose) sheep (n = 248) sampled from different flocks were

Dehong humped cattle (DHH) is an indigenous zebu breed from southwestern China that possesses characteristics of heat tolerance and strong disease resistance and adapts well to the local tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. However, information on selection signatures of DHH is scarce. Herein, we compared the genomes of DHH and each of Diqing and Zhaotong cattle breeds using the population

A multilocus GWAS was performed to explore the genetic architecture of four growth traits in yak. In total, 354 female yaks for which measurements of body weight (BW), withers height (WH), body length (BL) and chest girth (CG) at weaning were available underwent genotyping with the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip (770K). After quality control, we retained 98 688 SNPs and 354 animals for GWAS analysis. We

Over the years, ad-hoc procedures were used for designing SNP arrays, but the procedures and strategies varied considerably case by case. Recently, a multiple-objective, local optimization (MOLO) algorithm was proposed to select SNPs for SNP arrays, which maximizes the adjusted SNP information (E score) under multiple constraints, e.g. on MAF, uniformness of SNP locations (U score), the inclusion of

Enhancers, as the genomic non‐coding sequences, play a key role in the activation of gene expression. They have been widely identified in the human genome. Pig is an important biomedical model for human health. Few studies have been performed to explore the enhancers in the pig genome. The human enhancer information may be useful to identify enhancers in the pig genome. In addition, the genetic background