Association of MAX Copy Number Variation with Morphometric Traits in Chinese Cattle
Abstract
Simple Summary Morphometric traits are important in beef cattle breeding because they directly affect meat production and economic value. Differences in these traits among cattle breeds are partly influenced by genetic variation. In this study, we examined copy number variation (CNV) in the MYC-associated factor X gene in 572 Chinese cattle from five breeds, including Qinchuan, Ji’an, Jinnan, Nanyang, and Xianan cattle. CNVs are defined as differences in the number of copies of genomic DNA segments among individuals within a population. The copy number variation in this gene showed different distribution patterns among the five breeds. Based on raw p values, MAX CNVs showed nominal associations with chest girth in Jinnan cattle and with chest girth and hucklebone width in Nanyang cattle. Animals with the medium copy type, defined as two copies, showed higher values for the nominally associated traits than those with the loss type (<2 copies) or gain type (>2 copies). These findings suggest that copy number variation in the MYC-associated factor X gene may represent a potential candidate locus related to morphometric traits in Chinese cattle. Further validation in larger cattle populations is still needed before it can be used in breeding programs.