Identification of artificial selection signatures in Caracu breed lines selected for milk production and meat production

The identification of selection signatures allows a better comprehension of evolutionary processes, gene function and organization in the genome. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify and characterize genomic regions subject to selection, comparing two Caracu breed lines, one selected for milk (Caracu Caldeano) and other for meat production (Caracu). Animals were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine HD Genotyping BeadChip which included ~ 777 K SNP. The identification of selection signatures was based on population differentiation (FST). Twenty-one genomic regions related to meat and milk production and adaptation characteristics were identified. The genes identified as candidate to be under selection in this study included those related to muscle growth and meat quality (TFCP2, KIAA1244, CDH23 and FAM186B), milk compounds synthesis (MUC19), reproductive metabolism (SLC39A11). Genes related to adaptative traits including resistance to metabolic diseases (C6), and epidermal development and resistance to high temperatures (KRT86) and (KRT83) were also identified. The observed relevant genomic regions of Caracu and Caracu Caldeano differed, indicating that specific selection signatures of each line were successfully identified and may represent the consequence of adaptation to the local environment and type of animal production.