Genetic Dissection for Maize Forage Digestibility Traits in a Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) Population

Forage feedstock is the greatest source of energy for livestock. Unfortunately, less than 50% their fiber content actually digested and assimilated by ruminant animals. This recalcitrance mainly due to high concentration plant cell wall material limited digestion microorganisms. A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) was carried out in order identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with forage digestibility traits a maize Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) population. We identified seven SNPs, corresponding five Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL), organic matter, 11 clustered eight QTLs, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) SNPs four QTL Acid (ADF). Candidate genes under matter could be ones involved pectin degradation or phenylpropanoid pathway. Transcription factor were also proposed identified, addition induced oxidative stress, gene lignin modifications. Nevertheless, improvement study, based on moderate heritability value low percentage phenotypic variability explained each QTL, genomic selection strategy using markers evenly distributed across whole genome proposed.