PSXII-19 Gene sets and pathways associated with residual feed intake in Angus steers

Abstract Although residual feed intake (RFI) is a moderately heritable trait that can be used as a selection tool, little is known about gene pathways and networks that affect it. Angus steers (n=1,460) from 72 contemporary groups (RFI: -6.44 to 7.52 kg/d) were genotyped with Illumina BovineHD or BovineSNP50 BeadChip assays. Significant SNP (P3.0) related to energy production and efficiency of energy usage (cellular respiration, GO:0045333, 20 LEG; Reactome respiratory electron transport, R-HSA-611105, 12 LEG; respiratory chain, GO:0070469, 12 LEG) were identified, corroborating evidence from RFI studies with cattle and other species. Additional enriched gene sets were synaptic vesicle (GO:0008021, 16 LEG), cell-cell junction (GO:0005911, 55 LEG), and protein localization to plasma membrane (GO:0072659, 20 LEG). Mediator complex subunit 30 (MED30) and RPTOR independent companion of MTOR complex 2 (RICTOR) were the most significant (P