Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
Animal Breeding Consulting S.L, Parque Científico Tecnológico de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
BMC Vet Res. 2024 Sep 18;20(1):418. doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04263-w.
In the realm of animal breeding for sustainability, domestic camels have traditionally been valued for their milk and meat production. However, key aspects such as zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior have often been overlooked in terms of their genetic foundations. Recognizing this gap, the present study perfomed genome-wide association analyses to identify genetic markers associated with zoometrics-, biomechanics-, and behavior-related traits in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). 16 and 108 genetic markers were significantly associated (q < 0.05) at genome and chromosome-wide levels of significance, respectively, with zoometrics- (width, length, and perimeter/girth), biomechanics- (acceleration, displacement, spatial position, and velocity), and behavior-related traits (general cognition, intelligence, and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) in dromedaries. In most association loci, the nearest protein-coding genes are linkedto neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders. This suggests that genetic variations related to neural development and sensory perception play crucial roles in shaping a dromedary camel's physical characteristics and behavior. In summary, this research advances our understanding of the genomic basis of essential traits in dromedary camels. Identifying specific genetic markers associated with zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior provides valuable insights into camel domestication. Moreover, the links between these traits and genes related to neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders highlight the broader implications of domestication and modern selection on the health and welfare of dromedary camels. This knowledge could guide future breeding strategies, fostering a more holistic approach to camel husbandry and ensuring the sustainability of these animals in diverse agricultural contexts.
在可持续性的动物养殖领域，家骆驼一直因其产奶和产肉而受到重视。然而，在遗传基础方面，其体型学、生物力学和行为等关键方面往往被忽视。鉴于此，本研究进行了全基因组关联分析，以鉴定与单峰驼（Camelus dromedarius）体型学、生物力学和行为相关特征相关的遗传标记。在基因组和染色体水平上，分别有 16 和 108 个遗传标记与体型学（宽度、长度和周长/围长）、生物力学（加速度、位移、空间位置和速度）和行为相关特征（一般认知、智力和智商）显著相关（q < 0.05）。在大多数关联位点中，最近的编码蛋白基因与神经发育和感觉障碍有关。这表明与神经发育和感觉感知相关的遗传变异在塑造单峰驼的身体特征和行为方面起着至关重要的作用。总之，这项研究增进了我们对单峰驼重要特征的基因组基础的理解。鉴定与体型学、生物力学和行为相关的特定遗传标记为骆驼的驯化提供了有价值的见解。此外，这些特征与神经发育和感觉障碍相关基因之间的联系突出了驯化和现代选择对单峰驼健康和福利的更广泛影响。这些知识可以指导未来的育种策略，促进对骆驼养殖的更全面方法，并确保这些动物在不同的农业环境中的可持续性。
