Work

Genome-wide association study on carcass traits in an indigenous yellow-feathered meat-type chicken population

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • This study dissected genetic basis of carcass traits in yellow-feathered chickens. • We Identified 6 novel genetic variants and candidate genes. • A disruptive frame-shift deletion in SPHKAP gene was found. • We present breed-specific molecular markers for marker-assisted selection. • Results deliver insights into key biological pathways regulating broiler carcass traits. Carcass traits are among the most critical production characteristics in broiler chickens. Therefore, the precise identification of genetic variants and candidate genes affecting these traits is highly valuable for enhancing breeding efficiency and overall productivity in poultry. In this study, a genome-wide association study ( GWAS ) was conducted to analyze seven carcass traits in 1 498 cocks from a Chinese indigenous yellow-feathered meat chicken population which had been subjected to three generations of selective breeding for improved body weight and feed conversion ratio. The assessing traits included breast muscle weight ( BMW ), body weights at 42 and 56 days ( BW42 , BW56 ), carcass weight ( CW ), eviscerated weight ( EW ), eviscerated weight with giblets ( EWG ), and leg weight ( LW ). Six significant single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) sites were identified by using the “Jingxin No. 1” 55K SNP microarray and bioinformatic analysis. These SNPs were annotated to 6 candidate genes on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, and Z, including SPHKAP, ALCAM, CMTM7, ADAT2, LIMCH1 and AP3B1, with the variant in the SPHKAP gene harbored a frameshift deletion in the coding region. Our study identified novel variants related to chicken carcass traits, which provide a new insight into the genetic mechanism of chicken carcass traits. These trait-associated genetic variants could facilitate the selection of more efficient broilers.

Source: animal

DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2025.101751

Authors: Z. Pan, H. Geng, D. Li, X. Cheng, Y. Liu

Institution: Nanjing Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000