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Analysis of biological networks and biological pathways associated with residual feed intake in beef cattle
Author(s) -
Karisa Brian,
Moore Stephen,
Plastow Graham
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
animal science journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.606
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1740-0929
pISSN - 1344-3941
DOI - 10.1111/asj.12159
Subject(s) - residual feed intake , biological pathway , biology , gene , metabolic pathway , biological activity , lipid metabolism , transcription factor , beef cattle , signal transduction , steroid biosynthesis , feed conversion ratio , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , hormone , genetics , gene expression , steroid , endocrinology , body weight , in vitro
In this study, biological networks were reconstructed from genes and metabolites significantly associated with residual feed intake ( RFI ) in beef cattle. The networks were then used to identify biological pathways associated with RFI . RFI is a measure of feed efficiency, which is independent of body size and growth; therefore selection for RFI is expected to result in cattle that consume less feed without adverse effects on growth rate and mature size. Although several studies have identified genes associated with RFI , the mechanisms of the biological processes are not well understood. In this study, we utilised the results obtained from two association studies, one using 24 genes and one using plasma metabolites to reconstruct biological networks associated with RFI using IPA software (Igenuity Systems). The results pointed to biological processes such as lipid and steroid biosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and regulation of gene expression through DNA transcription, protein stability and degradation. The major canonical pathways included signaling of growth hormone, O ncostatin M , insulin‐like growth factor and AMP activated protein kinase, and cholesterol biosynthesis. This study provides information on potential biological mechanisms, and genes and metabolites involved in feed efficiency in beef cattle.