A genome-wide scan for signatures of selection in Hanwoo and Angus cattle using whole-genome sequence data

Abstract

Signature of selection in livestock is a method used to identify genomic regions and candidate genes related to economic traits when phenotypic information is unknown. This study used 406 beef cattle (203 Hanwoo and 203 Angus) with a whole-genome sequence to find selection signatures. As a result, we identified 298 significant genomic regions within Hanwoo, including the candidate genes such as <i>LPL</i> related to the lipid metabolism and 33 genomic regions within Angus with <i>HK1</i> and <i>ACTC1</i> genes linked with glucose metabolism and muscle formation. From the between populations results, 36 significant genomic regions were detected, including the <i>CCKBR</i> gene associated with the feed efficiency. This study can assist in understanding the history of these breeds and identifying the genomic regions under selection for breeding programs in beef cattle.