Genome-Wide Association Study for Udder Conformation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle

    September 2022 in “ Animals ”
    Mudasir Nazar, Ismail Mohamed Abdalla, Zhi Chen, Numan Ullah, Yan Liang, Shuangfeng Chu, Tianle Xu, Yongjiang Mao, Zhangping Yang, Xubin Lu
    TLDR Certain genes affect udder shape in Holstein cows, important for health and milk production.
    The study conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on 984 Chinese Holstein cattle to identify genetic factors associated with udder conformation traits. Five traits were studied: anterior udder attachment, central suspensory ligament, posterior udder attachment height, posterior udder attachment width, and udder depth. The study found 18 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these traits, with heritability ranging from 0.04 to 0.49. Several genes, including MGST1, MTUS1, PRKN, GRID2, FOXP1, SLF1, TMEM117, SBF2, LGALS2, GC, ADGRB3, and GCLC, were identified as associated with these traits. The findings provide valuable information for improving the genetic selection of Chinese Holstein cattle.
    Discuss this study in the Community →