Transcriptome-Wide Association Study unravels genomic regions for lactation persistency in Murrah buffaloes

Vikas Vohra; Pankaj Chayal; Supriya Chhotaray; Akshata Patil; Hemlata Valmiki; Damini Sharma

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i5.178691

Authors

Vikas Vohra ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute - Karnal (132001) Haryana
Pankaj Chayal Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
Supriya Chhotaray Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India
Akshata Patil Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
Hemlata Valmiki Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
Damini Sharma Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i5.178691

Keywords:

Lactation persistency, TWAS, Murrah

Abstract

Lactation persistency is an important economic trait of dairy animals. Understanding the genetic architecture underlying lactation persistency remains challenging, as conventional genome-wide association studies (GWAS) often lack functional interpretability. The present study aimed to identify causal genes associated with lactation persistency in Murrah buffaloes using a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) approach. Test-day milk yield records up to 245 days post-calving from 120 Murrah buffaloes were used to model lactation curves using Wood’s incomplete gamma function. Post-peak decline rate was considered as measure of lactation persistency to perform TWAS. TWAS was conducted using a predicted gene expression panel comprising 26,956 genes. Functional annotation of the top-ranked genes suggested their involvement in biological processes related to mammary epithelial cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, which are critical for maintaining milk production after peak lactation. Overall, the findings highlight potential candidate genes and pathways that may contribute to genetic improvement and selection strategies in Murrah buffaloes.

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Author Biography

Vikas Vohra, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute - Karnal (132001) Haryana

Principal Scientist
Animal Genetics and Breeding

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