Genome-Wide Scan for Runs of Homozygosity Identifies Candidate Genes Related to Economically Important Traits in Chinese Merino

摘要

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are commonly used to estimate inbreeding coefficients and identify selection signatures in livestock population. The present study determined ROH patterns, estimated the inbreeding levels, and identified the genome regions with high ROH frequency (ROH hotspots) in Chinese Merino. Our results showed that the genome of Chinese Merino harbored lower ROH abundance. Moreover, the inbreeding levels were relatively low. Thirteen ROH hotspots consisting of 190 genes were identified. The ROH hotspots overlapped the selective signatures might be associated with body size, horn traits, immune traits and environment adaption. These findings could contribute to an optimum breeding program by identifying the candidate genes related to economically traits in Chinese Merino.