# Weight Gain and Tenderness in Nelore Cattle: Genetic Association and a Potential Pleiotropic Role of Transcription Factors and Genes

## TL;DR

This study explores the genetic links between weight gain and meat tenderness in Nelore cattle, identifying genes and transcription factors that could help breed better quality beef.

## Contribution

The study identifies shared and trait-specific genetic elements and transcription factors influencing growth and tenderness in Nelore cattle.

## Key findings

- Genomic regions and 35 shared candidate genes were identified for weight gain and tenderness.
- Functional analyses highlighted genes like MYBPC1, PENK, GHRS, and NPY for their roles in the traits.
- Gene–TF networks revealed key transcription factors and genes such as CAPN1 and GH1.

## Abstract

Beef quality is important for both farmers and consumers. Traditionally, cattle are selected based on weight gain, as faster-growing animals are considered more profitable. However, faster growth does not always mean the meat will be tender. This study investigated the genetic factors influencing growth and meat tenderness in Nelore cattle. We analyzed phenotypic and genotypic data from young bulls to understand the genetic relationship between weight gain and tenderness and to identify specific regions in the DNA associated with these traits. Some genes influenced weight gain and meat tenderness, while others were related to only one trait. We also examined how these genes are regulated and interact, identifying key genetic elements that could help breeders select animals with better overall performance. Understanding these genetic relationships allows farmers to make informed breeding decisions to produce animals that grow efficiently and provide high-quality meat. These findings are valuable for improving beef quality, benefiting producers, gaining more efficient and profitable animals, and consumers who prefer tender and high-quality meat.

The inclusion of meat quality traits in breeding programs is a promising strategy to improve beef by selecting animals based on both growth and meat quality. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for average daily gain (ADG) and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), as well as to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genomic regions and transcription factor (TF) binding sites associated with both traits in Nelore cattle. Genetic parameters were estimated using a bi-trait Bayesian model, and GWAS identified key SNPs explaining over 1% of variance in genomic estimated breeding values. Candidate genes near these SNPs were annotated, TF binding sites predicted, and gene–TF networks constructed. Genetic estimates indicated moderate heritability for ADG, low heritability for WBSF, and a small negative genetic correlation between traits. Genomic regions contained 116 and 151 candidate genes for ADG and WBSF, respectively, with 35 shared between traits. Functional analyses highlighted MYBPC1 and PENK for WBSF, and GHRS and NPY for ADG. TF analysis identified 25 TFs, with 3 key ones highlighted. Gene–TF networks revealed candidates including CAPN1 and LTBP3 for WBSF, and CARM1 and GH1 for ADG. Shared candidate genes identified in the combined network provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of growth and tenderness in Nelore cattle.