# Screening Candidate Genes for Body Size Traits in Dongfeng Sika Deer Bucks Based on Genome-Wide Association Analysis

## TL;DR

This study identifies four candidate genes linked to body size traits in Dongfeng sika deer bucks using genome-wide association analysis, offering insights for breeding better deer populations.

## Contribution

The study identifies four novel candidate genes (CDH4, TSHR, SLC23A2, RIMS1) associated with body size traits in Dongfeng sika deer.

## Key findings

- Genome-wide association analysis detected 774 significant genetic loci linked to body size traits in Dongfeng sika deer.
- Four candidate genes (CDH4, TSHR, SLC23A2, RIMS1) were identified as potentially regulating body size development.
- Functional enrichment analysis revealed biological pathways associated with body size regulation in sika deer.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to screen candidate genes associated with body size traits in Dongfeng sika deer stags by genome-wide association analysis. Sika deer is one of the most important deer species in China, and the body size trait directly affects its meat production performance and reproductive efficiency. However, research on body size traits of sika deer is still limited. To address this issue, we sequenced the whole genome of 266 adult Dongfeng sika deer stags and screened for genetic markers associated with nine body size traits by genome-wide association analysis. A total of 774 genetic loci with significant association with body size traits were detected, and four candidate genes that could positively regulate the development of body size were identified after further analysis. The results of this study provide new genetic markers and a theoretical basis for investigating the genetic mechanism of body size and meat production traits in sika deer, and provide an important reference for selecting and breeding better sika deer populations. Ultimately, this could help improve the economic benefits of deer farming through scientific breeding strategies.

This study aimed to screen candidate genes related to body size traits in Dongfeng sika deer bucks by genome-wide association analysis. A total of 266 adult Dongfeng sika deer underwent 20× whole-genome resequencing. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed using a mixed linear model (MLM), and gene annotation was conducted on SNP loci. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were subsequently conducted to identify biological functions and pathways associated with body size regulation. The GWAS results screened 774 SNP sites significantly associated with body size. Functional enrichment analysis further identified that four genes—CDH4, TSHR, SLC23A2, and RIMS1—were potentially associated with body size traits. This study provides a reference basis for subsequent functional exploration of candidate genes.