Genes and Pathways Affecting Sheep Productivity Traits: Genetic Parameters, Genome-Wide Association Mapping, and Pathway Enrichment Analysis

Ewe productivity is a composite and maternal trait that considered the most important economic in sheep meat production. The objective of this study was application alternative genome-wide association (GWAS) approaches followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on ewes’ genome to identify genes affecting pregnancy outcomes lamb growth after parturition Iranian Baluchi sheep. Three traits at birth weaning were considered. progeny weight, litter mean weight birth, total weaning, weaning. GWASs performed original phenotypes as well estimated breeding values. significant SNPs associated with located within or near RDX , FDX1 ARHGAP20 ZC3H12C THBS1 EPG5 . Identified pathways have functions related pregnancy, such autophagy placenta, progesterone production placental formation, calcium ion transport, immune response. For ( NR2C1 VEZT HSD17B4 RSU1 CUBN VIM PRLR FTH1 ) feed intake food conservation, development mammary glands cytoskeleton structure, milk components like fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B-12, identified. results show transport during feeding lambs can greatest impact gain compared other effects origin.