Abstract
BackgroundDelineating the genetic basis of body composition is important to agriculture and medicine. In addition, the incorporation of gene-gene interactions in the statistical model provides further insight into the genetic factors that underlie body composition traits. We used Bayesian model selection to comprehensively map main, epistatic and sex-specific QTL in an F2 reciprocal intercross between two chicken lines divergently selected for high or low growth rate.ResultsWe identified 17 QTL with main effects across 13 chromosomes and several sex-specific and sex-antagonistic QTL for breast meat yield, thigh + drumstick yield and abdominal fatness. Different sets of QTL were found for both breast muscles [Pectoralis (P) major and P. minor], which suggests that they could be controlled by different regulatory mechanisms. Significant interactions of QTL by sex allowed detection of sex-specific and sex-antagonistic QTL for body composition and abdominal fat. We found several female-specific P. major QTL and sex-antagonistic P. minor and abdominal fatness QTL. Also, several QTL on different chromosomes interact with each other to affect body composition and abdominal fatness.ConclusionsThe detection of main effects, epistasis and sex-dimorphic QTL suggest complex genetic regulation of somatic growth. An understanding of such regulatory mechanisms is key to mapping specific genes that underlie QTL controlling somatic growth in an avian model.
Highlights
Delineating the genetic basis of body composition is important to agriculture and medicine
Seven quantitative trait loci (QTL) for abdominal fat weight (ABFW) were identified on GGA1, 2, 5, 7, 14, 15 and 18
The thigh + drumstick weight (TDW) and thigh + drumstick yield (TDY) QTL co-localized with an ABF yield (ABFY) QTL on GGA27
Summary
Delineating the genetic basis of body composition is important to agriculture and medicine. The incorporation of gene-gene interactions in the statistical model provides further insight into the genetic factors that underlie body composition traits. A clear understanding of the genetic architecture of body composition is important in chicken breeding. Genetic selection over the past 50 years has produced commercial meat-type (broiler) chickens with a higher yield of breast meat, which is accompanied by increased body fatness [1]. Breast muscle yield is the most important carcass component in meat-type chickens because of the high premium paid by consumers. Higher consumption of excess dietary saturated fat contributes to artherosclerosis in humans. Delineating major genes that underlie carcass traits has important implications for both agriculture and human health
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