Genome-wide Association Analysis Uncovers Variants for Reproductive Variation Across Dog Breeds and Links to Domestication

Scientific Journal Articles

The genetic contributors to variation in mammalian reproductive traits remain largely unknown. We took advantage of the domestic dog, a powerful model system, to test for associations between genome-wide variants and four reproductive traits (cesarean section rate, litter size, stillbirth rate and gestation length) that vary extensively across breeds. We identified associations at a dozen loci, including ones previously associated with domestication-related traits, suggesting that selection on dog breeds also influenced their reproductive traits.

Smith, S.P., Phillips, J.B., Johnson, M.L., Abbot, P., Capra, J.A., and Rokas, A. (2019). Genome-wide association analysis uncovers variants for reproductive variation across dog breeds and links to domestication. Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, 1, 93-103. DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoz015

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Topic(s): Breeder Resource, Genetics, Health, How Genetic Traits Are Inherited