Identification of functional candidate variants and genes for feed efficiency in Holstein and Jersey cattle breeds using RNA-sequencing

The identification of functional genetic variants and associated candidate genes linked to feed efficiency may help improve selection for in dairy cattle, providing economic environmental benefits the industry. This study used RNA-sequencing data obtained from liver tissue 9 Holstein cows [n = 5 low residual intake (RFI), n 4 high RFI] 10 Jersey (n RFI, RFI), which were selected a single population 200 animals. Using RNA-sequencing, 3 analyses performed identify: (1) within or RFI cattle; (2) (3) groups, are common across both cattle breeds. From each analysis, all filtered moderate, modifier, effect, co-localized quantitative trait loci (QTL) classes, enriched biological processes, related these variants, identified. overlapping resulting with SNP analysis breeds groups compared. For first two analyses, total number effect fixed 2,810 3,390 breeds, respectively. major QTL classes included milk reproduction breed, milk, production, breed. third uniquely identified, revealing 86,209 111,126 Across 12 31 overlapping, Among commonly detected (INSRR, CSK, DYNC1H1, GAB1, KAT2B, RXRA, SHC1, TRRAP, PIK3CB), known play key role regulation processes that have metabolic demand cell growth regeneration, metabolism, immune function. identified their serve as markers can be implemented into breeding programs cattle.