Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Variants Associated With Hair Length in Brangus Cattle

The study aimed to find genetic variants linked to hair length in Brangus cattle, a trait that helps with thermoregulation. Researchers genotyped 1,456 Brangus heifers and identified seven significant SNPs in the PCCA gene associated with undercoat length, which is involved in biotin transport and metabolism, where biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss. Additionally, four SNPs, including a missense mutation in the PRLR gene, were found to be significantly associated with topcoat length. The PRLR gene had a previously known SLICK mutation affecting hair length, but the association with these specific polymorphisms was novel. These genetic variants may help develop cattle with shorter hair coats that are more heat-tolerant.