Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis Identifies Loci for Testicle and Ovary Traits in Chickens

Development of testes or ovaries is critical to chicken breeders. Understanding the genetic mechanisms influencing the development of the testes and ovaries could enhance selection efforts which target reproductive traits. The linkage analysis was conducted within an F2 population derived from Beiji...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animal biotechnology 2018-01, Vol.29 (4), p.309-315
Main Authors: Sun, Yanfa, Liu, Ranran, Zhao, Guiping, Zheng, Maiqing, Li, Peng, Liu, Li, Wen, Jie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Butyric acid
Chicken
Chickens
Chickens - genetics
Female
Gene expression
Genes
Genetic Linkage
Genome-Wide Association Study - veterinary
linkage analysis
Loci
Male
Ovaries
Ovary
Phenotype
QTL
Quantitative Trait Loci - genetics
testes
Testis
Weight
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Summary:Development of testes or ovaries is critical to chicken breeders. Understanding the genetic mechanisms influencing the development of the testes and ovaries could enhance selection efforts which target reproductive traits. The linkage analysis was conducted within an F2 population derived from Beijing-You chickens and a commercial broiler line. The results have identified one quantitative trait loci (QTL, designated T1) for bilateral testicular weight (TW) and the percentage of TW to carcass weight, and five QTLs (designated O1-O5) for ovary weight (follicle-free, OW) and the percentage of OW to carcass weight. For the testes traits, QTL T1 is located between 6.55 and 8.56 Mb on GGA13. Especially, the gene gamma-amino butyric acid A receptor, alpha 1 (GABRA1) located near the T1 peak. For ovarian traits, QTL O2 was located at 29.31 Mb on GGA7. G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) present at the O2 peak was expressed at higher levels within the reproductive tract. It is also involved in the regulation of several reproductive functions. Other QTL peaks and the genes' function in the ovary and testes need to be evaluated. The QTLs and the genes identified in this study could provide valuable information for establishing reproductive traits in chickens, and need further investigation.
ISSN:1049-5398
1532-2378
DOI:10.1080/10495398.2017.1397004