Abstract
BackgroundFeeding behavior traits are an essential part of livestock production. However, the genetic base of feeding behavior traits remains unclear in Pekin ducks. This study aimed to determine novel loci related to feeding behavior in Pekin ducks.ResultsIn this study, the feeding information of 540 Pekin ducks was recorded, and individual genotype was evaluated using genotyping-by-sequencing methods. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was conducted for feeding behavior traits. Overall, thirty significant (P-value < 4.74E-06) SNPs for feeding behavior traits were discovered, and four of them reached the genome-wide significance level (P-value < 2.37E-07). One genome-wide significance locus associated with daily meal times was located in a 122.25 Mb region on chromosome 2, which was within the intron of gene ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 E2 (UBE2E2), and could explain 2.64% of the phenotypic variation. This locus was also significantly associated with meal feed intake, and explained 2.72% of this phenotypic variation.ConclusionsThis study is the first GWAS for feeding behavior traits in ducks. Our results provide a list of candidate genes associated with feeding behavior, and also help to better understand the genetic mechanisms of feeding behavior patterns in ducks.
Highlights
IntroductionThe genetic base of feeding behavior traits remains unclear in Pekin ducks
Feeding behavior traits are an essential part of livestock production
The results showed that number of meals (NM) had strong negative genetic correlations with meal feed intake (MFI) and meal duration (MD), which was in accord with their phenotypic correlations
Summary
The genetic base of feeding behavior traits remains unclear in Pekin ducks. Feeding behavior patterns have been studied intensively in different animals, including mice [1], zebra finch [2], monkeys [3], pigs [4] and cows [5], which can be helpful for constructing a physiological model for animal health and Feeding behavior traits are very vital in Pekin ducks. For one thing, feeding behavior can be an effective way to track animal performance and health status. For another thing, researchers had found that there were strong associations between feeding behavior and feed efficiency in broilers and ducks [8, 9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
