Whole-genome resequencing association study of growth traits in a new line of Qianbei Ma goats

Abstract: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of growth traits in a new line of Qianbei Ma goats, which exhibit excellent meat performance, and strong stress resistance, are currently lacking. In this study, we explored the genetic basis of growth traits and kinship among original and new-line Qianbei Ma goats. Specifically, we leveraged whole-genome resequencing technology to sequence the genome, then conducted GWAS on five growth traits: body weight, body height, body length, chest circumference, and cannon bone circumference. The GWAS results revealed 12 candidate genes significantly associated with body weight, 3 with body height, 7 with body length, 18 with chest circumference, and 24 with cannon bone circumference. Genes that were significantly related to growth and development included GRM8, ABCC4, RUBCNL, PRKCB, AADAT, PLEKHA1, SLC39A10, QSR1, OLIG2, PAXBP1, TNS1, ELMO2, PLA2G2F, UBXN10, AK2, and CXCL12. Principal component analysis, kinship heatmaps, and a phylogenetic tree were used to analyze kinship between original and new-line Qianbei Ma goats. The results revealed significant genetic differentiation between the two lines, although some individual mixing was observed. As well as elucidating the genetic basis and kinship of growth traits in new-line Qianbei Ma goats, this study identifies candidate genes significantly associated with growth traits, thereby providing important theoretical support for the genetic improvement and breeding of Qianbei Ma goats and the sustainable development of the goat industry.