LOCALIZING GENETIC ELEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN MINK USING A SEQUENCE-BASED SNP PANEL

Abstract

Reproductive performance is a multifactorial trait which is affected by genetic, physiological and environmental factors. This study aimed at identification of genetic elements associated with fertility in mink females using the candidate gene approach, and was performed in a population of Standard Black mink maintained between 2009 and 2013. Based on dietary treatment, this population was analysed independently as two categories: Control (CTRL) and Moderate Diet Restriction (MDR). Irrespective of the analytical approaches used, twelve genes in the MDR group and ten genes in the CTRL group showed significant associations with fertility, at probabilities of less than or equal to 0.05. The results of this research allowed a better understanding of the role of genetic elements in fine-tuning the seasonally regulated reproductive functions in female mink.