49 Prediction of Beef Heifer Reproductive Potential Using Molecular Markers

Abstract Heifer infertility has a negative impact on beef cattle production and profit the livestock industry. The ability to identify heifers early based reproductive potential would help improve sustainability of production. omics technologies have provided opportunities efficiency. Previously, we explored plasma metabolic profiles mRNA in peripheral white blood cells (PWBCs) serve as molecular markers potential, at time artificial insemination (AI). Recently, integrated these data genetic pathways involved. We used RNA-Seq paired untargeted metabolomics from six AI-pregnant (AI-P) nonpregnant (NP) Angus-Simmental crossbred AI. Based network co-expression analysis, identified 17 37 hub genes AI-P NP groups, respectively. also TGM2, TMEM51, TAC3, NDRG4, PDGFB more connected heifers’ network. Metabolomic analysis 18 15 metabolites networks. Tryptophan network, allantoic acid exhibited connectivity gain. Gene-metabolite integration tocopherol-a positively correlated with ENSBTAG00000009943 group. Conversely, was negatively group EXOSC2, TRNAUIAP, SNX12. In group, α-ketoglutarate-SMG8 putrescine-HSD17B13 were correlated, whereas a-ketoglutarate-ALAS2 tryptophan-MTMR1 correlated. These multiple interactions novel targets underlying fertility bovines. Next, hypothesized that gene expression PWBCs weaning could potentially predict future heifers. approach gain insights into profile PWBC retrospectively classified pregnant through (AI-P, n = 8) non-pregnant (NP, 7). 92 differentially expressed between including MORN4, TFF2, MXD1, PHF8, KAT2B CLEC4D. 14 52 targets, out which ENSBTAG00000052659, OLR1, TFF2 NAIP exclusive while 42 hubs differential networks each revealed due rewiring major regulators unveiled this study likely modulates response infertility. are over-represented for CXCR chemokine receptor pathway inflammasome complex. contrast, immune cytokine pathways. predicting an stage heifer development.