Signatures of positive selection for scrotal circumference in three beef cattle breeds

This study aimed to detect genomic regions associated with scrotal circumference in Australian Brahman, Hereford, and Wagyu beef cattle breeds. The presence of selection signatures was based on the FST test, using data on the genotype and BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values for SC of 100,990 animals. Signals of selection for scrotal circumference were identified in genomic regions on several chromosomes, especially chromosome 14 in Brahman with most candidate genes under selection associated with male fertility or growth. The findings of this study may be applicable to breeding programs using more informative markers and assigning higher weights to them to increase the accuracy of genomic predictions and improve the reproductive performance of beef cattle.