Genome-wide association study for identification of associated variations to scrotal circumference in Charolais cattle

Abstract

The scrotal circumference is one of the main characteristics related to fertility of the bovine male and female. Its study through genetic and genomic tools would help to the discovery of favorable variation and genetic architecture to promote its selection. The aim of this work was to carry out a genome- wide association study using a large microarray of SNPs, to identify variations and candidate genes associated with the studied trait, for which information from 141 Charolais bulls was used. Four markers found, rs110416965, rs110130953, rs43423602 and rs29003417, showed significant association at the genome level. Three of them are found within candidate genes (RBFOX2, TTF2 and CXCL2). This information contributes to the understanding of the genetic architecture of this trait.