Estudos de associação genômica ampla para características de conformação em bovinos da raça holandesa no Brasil

Abstract

The demand for dairy products has been increasing as the world's population experiences a rise in purchasing power. This triggers a search for increased production by dairy producers. Knowing that the productive potential of the animal is affected by various factors, among them the conformation of the animals. This is important for health and longevity as well as for production, being separated into compounds: Rump, Dairy Strength, Feet and Legs, and Mammary System. These compounds are defined according to a set of characteristics, which receive score values according to their presentation that ultimately give rise to the value of the Final Classification. The morphological characteristics of the animal have an influence on milk production and longevity, two determining factors in the profitability of milk-producing properties. Each compound individually influences the functionality of the animal. The Rump compound has an effect on the Feet and Legs compound, udder width and insertion, as well as influencing reproduction. Dairy Strength assesses the distribution of consumed energy related to body size, weight, and body condition, affecting energy allocated to maintenance. The Feet and Legs compound, the animal that presents this compound with low quality, may have hoof problems, which negatively interfere with production, reproduction, health, and well-being. The Mammary System consists of evaluating the udder region, which is directly linked to production and storage within the animal. The score given to the compounds is called Final Classification, assisting in evaluating the structure of the animal. Genetic improvement has been making significant advances for various economically important traits through the use of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels. With the identification of genomic regions associated with traits through Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), it is possible to detect candidate genes that may be related to the formation of the studied phenotype. Additionally, it is known that genotype expression can be different in different environments, which can alter the productive potential of the progeny.