Detection of selection signatures in Azeri and Mazandrani buffalo populations by high density SNP markers

In order to detect signature of selection on buffalo genome, a set of 287 water buffalo samples from 260 Azari and 27 Mazandarani buffalo breeds were genotyped using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90K Array. The unbiased fixation index method (FST) was used to detect signatures of selection. In total, 14 regions with outlier FST values (0.1%) were identified. Annotation of these regions using the UMD3.1 Bos taurus Genome Assembly was performed to find putative candidate genes and QTLs within the selected and 105 genes and 28 QTLs with selection signatures were detected. A high proportion of identified genes (N=27) in regions under selection were involved in olfactory receptor, also some of the detected genes were associated with growth and body development, metabolicand apoptosis possesses, immune system development, and mammary gland development. Some of the identified QTLs in regions under selection were associated with growth traits such as body weight at birth, weaning and mature, subcutaneous fat, meat yield and carcass weight. The detected QTL for milk traits were only associated with milk contents and somatic cell count. However, it is recommended to carry out association studies to show the actual function of these genes.