Abstract
Identification of Expression QTLs Targeting Candidate Genes for Residual Feed Intake in Dairy Cattle Using Systems Genomics
Highlights
Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between actual and predicted feed intake and an important factor determining feed efficiency (FE)
The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) overlapped with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) previously associated with FE trait
The eQTLs and biological pathways identified in this study improve our understanding of the complex biological and genetic mechanisms that determine FE traits in dairy cattle
Summary
Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between actual and predicted feed intake and an important factor determining feed efficiency (FE). 170 candidate genes were associated with RFI, but no expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping has hitherto been performed on FE related genes in dairy cows. An integrative systems genetics approach was applied to map eQTLs in Holstein and Jersey cows fed two different diets to improve identification of candidate genes for FE. FE is a complex trait that is influenced by several genetic and environmental factors, which in an Citation: Salleh MS, Mazzoni G, Nielsen MO, Løvendahl P, Kadarmideen HN (2018) Identification of Expression QTLs Targeting Candidate Genes for Residual Feed Intake in Dairy Cattle Using Systems Genomics. The use of FE for breeding purposes is quite complicated, since recording of individual feed intake is difficult in group fed cows. Gene expressions associated with FE related genes have been studied for a long time, in cattle [2,3,4], genetic markers are more accessible and not affected by environmental factors in contrast to gene expression data
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