Genome-Wide Association Study as an Efficacious Approach to Discover Candidate Genes Associated with Body Linear Type Traits in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Body shape traits are very important and play a crucial role in the economic development of dairy farming. By improving the accuracy of selection for body size traits, we can enhance economic returns across the dairy industry and on farms, contributing to the future profitability of the dairy sector. Registered body conformation traits are reliable and cost-effective tools for use in national cattle breeding selection programs. These traits are significantly related to the production, longevity, mobility, health, fertility, and environmental adaptation of dairy cows. Therefore, they can be considered indirect indicators of economically important traits in dairy cows. Utilizing efficacious genetic methods, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs), allows for a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits through the identification and application of genetic markers. In the current review, we summarize information on candidate genes and genomic regions associated with body conformation traits in dairy cattle worldwide. The manuscript also reviews the importance of body conformation, the relationship between body conformation traits and other traits, heritability, influencing factors, and the genetics of body conformation traits. The information on candidate genes related to body conformation traits provided in this review may be helpful in selecting potential genetic markers for the genetic improvement of body conformation traits in dairy cattle.