QTL Mapping of Growth Traits in Yellow River Carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) at 5-17 Months after Hatching

To screen the quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes related to the growth of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) after removing the maternal effect, we established a family of these carps. Four growth-related traits (body length, height, thickness, and weight) of the family at 5 and 17 months after hatching (MAH) were measured. Analysis of QTL mapping for the four growth-related traits was conducted using the genetic linkage map constructed in our laboratory. We identified 47 QTL that were related to the four growth traits and three consensus QTL (cQTL). A total of 10, 14, 10, and 13 QTL were associated with body length, height, thickness, and weight, respectively; cQTL-1, cQTL-2, and cQTL-3 contained 11, 2, and 2 QTL, respectively. We detected 17 growth-related candidate genes within 50 Kb upstream and downstream of the five main-effect QTL (phenotypic variation explained > 10%, logarithm of odds > 5.5). Two genes (cbfa2t2 and neca1) that may be affected by maternal effects were identified by comparing the main-effect QTL at 17 and 5-17 MAH. This study was the first attempt to eliminate growth-related QTL and genes affected by maternal effects in Yellow River carp. These results can be used in molecular marker-assisted breeding and provide valuable genomic resources for the genetic mechanisms underlying growth in Yellow River carp.

Automated summary

To identify the growth-related QTL and genes in Yellow River carp, a family of these carps was established after removing the maternal effect. Growth-related traits were measured at 5 and 17 months after hatching, and QTL mapping was conducted. A total of 47 QTL and three consensus QTL were identified. 17 growth-related candidate genes were detected near the main-effect QTL. Two genes affected by maternal effects were also identified. This study provides valuable genomic resources for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying growth in Yellow River carp.