42 Genome-wide Association Study of Ovary Characteristics in Admixed Beef Heifers Through Comparative Bayesian Approaches

Abstract Reproductive performance of heifers is a key indicator herd productivity. The objective was to evaluate markers and genes associated with reproductive tract characteristics through comparative approach. For this study, 295 admixed beef were examined via transrectal ultrasonography at approximately 13 months age. Exploratory factor analysis antral follicular count (count per size, side, total), length, height diameter for left right sides ovaries, uterine horn revealed latent variable that included total follicle ovary diameters side (n = 3 traits), termed OVARY. Confirmatory produced OVARY values heifer. Quality controls 116,133 SNP heifer association analyses. A marker window-based univariate approach conducted using an empirical Bayesian adjusting nested population structure frequency differences (Method 1) as well MCMC identifying the fraction be fixed effect 2). high genetic variance in important windows (PPAW > 0.75) mapped their closest gene enrichment analysis. Using Method 1, 2 found identified SMYD2 contributing generally epigenetic transcriptional regulatory pathways GO terms (adjusted P < 0.05). 2, 11 discovered Three involved neural transduction, cornification, epithelial integrity, adipogenic terms. Eight hormonal signaling, post-natal growth, sex determination organs development, embryo implantation, signaling transduction Given this, provides better insights towards future selection overall than 1.