Open AccessGene-Based Mapping and Pathway Analysis of Metabolic Traits in Dairy Cows
Author(s) -
Ngoc-Thuy Ha,
Josef Johann Gross,
Annette van Dorland,
Jens Tetens,
Georg Thaller,
Martin Schlather,
Rupert M. Bruckmaier,
Henner Simianer
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0122325
Subject(s) - adaptability , biology , lactation , nefa , dairy cattle , metabolic pathway , adaptation (eye) , gene , phenotype , fatty acid , genetics , biochemistry , pregnancy , ecology , neuroscience
The metabolic adaptation of dairy cows during the transition period has been studied intensively in the last decades. However, until now, only few studies have paid attention to the genetic aspects of this process. Here, we present the results of a gene-based mapping and pathway analysis with the measurements of three key metabolites, (1) non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), (2) beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and (3) glucose, characterizing the metabolic adaptability of dairy cows before and after calving. In contrast to the conventional single-marker approach, we identify 99 significant and biologically sensible genes associated with at least one of the considered phenotypes and thus giving evidence for a genetic basis of the metabolic adaptability. Moreover, our results strongly suggest three pathways involved in the metabolism of steroids and lipids are potential candidates for the adaptive regulation of dairy cows in their early lactation. From our perspective, a closer investigation of our findings will lead to a step forward in understanding the variability in the metabolic adaptability of dairy cows in their early lactation.