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Database of feed efficiency indicators of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds in Latvia in 2nd trial (A23) with-in the framework of the project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the second year: 2023, or A23 group, which consists of 92 intensively fattened lambs from eight breeds, including LT breed, which were raised in the meadow and are semi-sibi lambs within the scope of the study. The database contains data on ultrasonography measurements of lambs during the beginning and end of fattening, intensive fattening data - actual and calculated on the 90th and 150th day, the amount of feed used and slaughter data. Ultrasonography data were used to calculate muscle and/or fat depth changes at the 13th rib during the fattening period. Based on the requirements of the breeding program of the breeds (LAAA, 2022), every year, the offspring of the sire ram, certified for breeding activity, are selected and analysed to estimate the sire rams. All lambs were born as twins, triplets or quadruplets from different ewes and health status was assessed before inclusion in the study so that there were at least two lambs per sire ram from the breed. This study was carried out in cooperation with the Latvian Sheep Breeders' Association at the ram breeding control station.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

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Database of biochemistry data of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science: LZP-2021/1-0489

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: To determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the second year: 2023, or A23 group, which consists of 92 intensively fattened lambs from eight breeds, including the LT breed, which were raised in the meadow and are semi-sibi lambs within the scope of the study. The dataset includes data on biochemical indicators: Insulin-like growth factor 1, Insulin, Total thyroxine, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Haematocrit, Hemoglobin, and Glucose. The blood samples for tests were taken before intensive fattening at a mean age of 92 days (interval from 64 to 109 days). Fattening starting age depends on body weight when lambs are separated from their mothers. Based on the requirements of the breeding program of the breeds (LAAA, 2022), every year, the offspring of the sire ram, certified for breeding activity, are selected and analysed to estimate the sire rams. All lambs were born as twins, triplets, or quadruplets from different ewes, and health status was assessed before inclusion in the study so that there were at least two lambs per sire ram from the breed. This study was carried out in cooperation with the Latvian Sheep Breeders' Association at the ram breeding control station.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of expression analysis of samples of the 1st trial (A22) of sheep breeds in Latvia within the framework of the project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. The blood samples for RNA extraction were taken after intensive fattening at an average body weight of 45 – 50 kg. Gene expression levels were determined using qPCR methodology using the GAPDH gene as a reference. Three genes were analysed in the project: MTOR (The mechanistic mammalian target of rapamycin), CAST (Calpastatin) and UPC3 (uncoupling protein 3). The data obtained will be used to determine the changes in expression levels related to gene variations (MTOR: <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146731">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146731</a>; CAST: <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146372">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146372</a>; UPC3: <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146778">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146778</a>);  as well as to analyze the relationship of expression levels with biochemical parameters (<a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8143225">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8143225</a>) and feed efficiency indicators (<a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8143244">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8143244</a>) of lambs.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of MSTN gene multi-loci genotypes of samples of the 1st trial (A22) of sheep breeds of Latvia within the framework of the project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. Myostatin (MSTN), a highly conserved member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b) superfamily, also known as growth/differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), the major regulator of myogenesis, functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth and development in mammals. Myostatin is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily member and cannot be classified into the existing TGF-β subfamilies, such as inhibins or bone morphogenic proteins. Mutations MSTN produce a “double-muscle” phenotype, making it commercially invaluable for improving livestock meat production and providing high-quality human protein. However, mutations at different loci of the MSTN often produce a variety of different phenotypes. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. The whole MSTN gene was sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The MSTN gene has been fully sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 23 loci (<a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146724">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8146724</a>) compared with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. All variable SNPs in the MSTN gene were constructed by combining 24 distinct multi-loci genotypes. Reducing the number of loci to 16 by excluding those variables in only one sample or complete linkage disequilibrium did not decrease the number of genotypes. Among these 16 loci, 12 multi-locus genotypes were found in only one sample. To streamline the association analysis, the MSTN gene was divided into four regions: the promoter and exon 1, intron 1, intron 2, and the 3′UTR. This division helped reduce the number of multilocus genotypes. The database contains information on multiloci genotypes for four regions of the MSTN gene. The multi-locus genotypes are presented using standard IUB/IUPAC nucleic acid codes, representing the genotype of two alleles at a single locus with a single letter.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies

Database of genotypes of significant SNPs of samples of the 2nd trial (A23) of sheep breeds in Latvia within the framework of the project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the second year: 2023, or A23 group, which consists of 92 intensively fattened lambs from eight breeds, including LT breed, which were raised in the meadow and are semi-sibi lambs within the scope of the study. The database contains genotyping results for 57 SNPs, for which a statistically significant association with one of the feed digestion indicators was found in the project's first group (A22). A laboratory-based genotyping method was developed for each selected SNP, which was tested using samples from the A22 group; the results were obtained using the NGS methodology. In the database, SNPs are coded with a laboratory code and an rs ID number. The gene in which the SNP is located is also indicated. The genotypes of each SNP are presented using standard IUB/IUPAC nucleic acid codes, representing the genotype of two alleles at a single locus with a single letter.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of genotypes of significant SNPs of samples of the 1st trial (A22) of sheep breeds inLatvia within the framework of the project of the Latvian Louncil of Lcience LZP-2021/1-0489

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming”. The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two most significant components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least feed intake) is a critical factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program. According to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyse animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. The database contains genotyping results for 57 SNPs, for which a statistically significant association with one of the feed efficiency indicators was established within the project, using NGS methodology and association statistical methods. The specific SNPs were selected for further work as the first DNA molecular markers for future sheep breeding programs in Latvia. In the database, SNPs are coded with a laboratory code and an rs ID number. The gene in which the SNP is located is also indicated. The genotypes of each SNP are presented using standard IUB/IUPAC nucleic acid codes, representing the genotype of two alleles at a single locus with a single letter.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

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Database of biochemistry data of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 ithin the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science: LZP-2021/1-0489

LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiencyreduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiencyby 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. The endocrine system could affect Feed efficiency through its role in regulating feed intake and nutrient utilization. The gastrointestinal tract with attached glands is the source of secretes hormones that play an important role in regulating feed intake (such as insulin and ghrelin) and nutrient use (i.e., glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, insulin and IGF-1). Existing data indicate specific hormones related to nutrient metabolism may have a role in divergent feed efficiency status and are studied in more detail. Considering the fact that heat is generated as a side product of energy metabolism, Feed efficiency correlates inversely with heat production. Physiological indicators of FE such as hematocrit, hemoglobin and glucose are useful blood traits to identify efficient animals. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds and nine samples from the LT breed, which were raised in the meadow and are semi-sibi lambs within the scope of the study. The dataset includes data on biochemical indicators: Insulin-like growth factor 1, Insulin, Total thyroxine, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Haematocrit, Hemoglobin, Glucose, and Leptin. Data on Leptin are only for the first 50 samples because the data wasn’t different, and the level was too low for the detection method. Based on the requirements of the breeding program of the breeds, every year, the offspring of the sire ram, certified for breeding activity, are selected and analyzed to estimate the sire rams. All lambs were born as twins, triplets or quadruplets from different ewes and health status was assessed before inclusion in the study so that there were at least two lambs per sire ram from the breed. This study was carried out in cooperation with Latvian Sheep Breeders' Association at the ram breeding control station. Lambs were fattened for 66.38 ± 1.27 days with an interval of 44 to 83 days.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

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Database of feed efficiency indicators of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent FE status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving FE by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. The dataset includes data on feed efficiency indicators: (1) ratio traits: Feed efficiency (FE), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), Relative growth rate (RGR), Kleiber’s ratio (KR), or (2) regression or residual traits: Residual feed intake (RFI), Residual weight gain (RWG) and Residual intake and body weight gain (RIG). Calculations were made by using formulas from Lima et al., 2017 (<a href="https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-92902017001000005">https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-92902017001000005</a>). Based on the requirements of the breeding program of the breeds, every year, the offspring of the sire ram, certified for breeding activity, are selected and analyzed to estimate the sire rams. All lambs were born as twins, triplets or quadruplets from different ewes and health status was assessed before inclusion in the study so that there were at least two lambs per sire ram from the breed. This study was carried out in cooperation with Latvian Sheep Breeders' Association at the ram breeding control station. Lambs were fattened for 66.38 ± 1.27 days with an interval of 44 to 83 days.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

zenodo20/100

Database of parameters related to intensive fattening of lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds and nine samples from the LT breed, which were raised in the meadow and are semi-sibi lambs within the scope of the study. Based on the requirements of the breeding program of the breeds, every year, the offspring of the sire ram, certified for breeding activity, are selected and analyzed to estimate the sire rams. All lambs were born as twins, triplets or quadruplets from different ewes and health status was assessed before inclusion in the study so that there were at least two lambs per sire ram from the breed. This study was carried out in cooperation with Latvian Sheep Breeders' Association at the ram breeding control station. The database contains data on ultrasonography measurements of lambs during the beginning and end of fattening, intensive fattening data - real and calculated on the 90th and 150th day, the amount of feed used and slaughter data. Ultrasonography data were used to calculate muscle and/or fat depth changes at the 13th rib during the fattening period.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

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Database of NGS results of GHRL gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. The Ghrelin (GHRL) hormone's main role is regulating feed intake, body weight and gastrointestinal motility. It stimulates appetite by acting on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Ghrelin is orexigenic that transmits a hunger signal from the periphery to the central nervous system and is involved in mealtime hunger and meal initiation. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Full GHRL genes (5 exons) were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The GHRL gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 106 loci was found comparing with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Forty (53) loci form 11 groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Seventeen (17) new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of UPC3 gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs, due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. It is also known that genetic factors can also influence the regulation of energy metabolism, body composition and determination of excess weight. Among the genes evolved in these pathways is uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). Uncoupling protein (UCP) abundance increases at birth in the lung and adipose tissue, then gradually decline, an adaptation that is important in enabling normal tissue function.  The UCP3 gene plays an important role as a mediator in adaptive thermogenesis, in the regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and in the prevention of oxidative damage produced by free radicals. It is also known that this gene is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and control of body weight. Moreover, some studies showed that UCP3 may modulate the use of lipids and glucose as an energy substrate after weight loss, suggesting possible actions in insulin resistance. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Full UCP3 gene (7 exons) were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The UCP3 gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 137 loci was found compared with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Eighty-three (40) loci form ten groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Fifteen new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of UPC2 gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Uncoupling protein (UCP) abundance increases at birth in the lung and adipose tissue, to then gradually decline, an adaptation that is important in enabling normal tissue function. Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2), a recently discovered inner mitochondrial protein, has postulated roles in reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis as well as in energy regulation. UCP2 is present in a large number of tissues with its abundance being greatest in the lung, pancreas and skeletal muscle. Uncoupling protein 2 involves immune response, regulation of oxidative stress, and maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential as well as energy production. Uncoupling protein 2 is a mitochondrial anion carrier protein, which uncouples the oxidative phosphorylation from ATP production by dissipating the proton gradient generated across the mitochondrial inner membrane. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Full UCP2 gene (8 exons) were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The UCP2 gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 93 loci were found compering with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Sixty two (62) loci form twelve groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Ten new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of PPARG gene of intensive fattening of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs, due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Peroxisomes are cytoplasmic organelles having important roles in modulating lipid homeostasis in mammals. The receptors found on peroxisomes were initially identified as the master regulators of adipose cell development, but are also involved with other cellular events such as inflammation, cell growth and steroidogenesis. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG, also called NR1C3) is a nuclear receptor of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR). PPARs are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, estradiol and progesterone synthesis, and metabolism. The PPARG, a nuclear receptor of the PPAR family, is activated after binding to natural ligands such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and prostaglandin metabolites. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Exons (6) of the PPARG gene and their flanking intron regions were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The PPARG gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 31 loci were found compering with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Seven (7) loci form two groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Two new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of NPY gene of intensive fattening lambs of of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving FE reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Appetite control by the brain is a critical component of the normal growth and development process as well as of major importance for reproduction. Appetite control is a complex process whereby multiple stimulatory and inhibitory inputs are integrated in the hypothalamus to yield an increase or decrease in feed intake. In the arcuate nucleus, there resides a grouping of neurons that release either orexigenic or anorexigenic neurotransmitters. Neuropeptide Y (NYP) is a powerful orexigenic factor which plays important roles in feeding and reproducetion, also is an important component of the leptin signalling mechanism. About data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Full NPY gene were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The NPY gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 53 loci was found compering with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Five (5) loci form two groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Thirteen new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of IGF-1 gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. A major role of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) is considered to be the regulation of tissue growth and differentiation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 is a mediator of the effects of growth hormone, and polymorphism in the IGF1 gene is reported to affect fat deposition in some livestock species. Growth hormone is synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland and released into the bloodstream. It stimulates the liver to produce IGF1, which can fuel body growth by having growth-promoting effects on almost every cell in the body while regulating cellular DNA synthesis. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Exons (4) of the IGF-1 gene and their flanking intron regions were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The IGF-1 gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about seven loci was found compared with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Two (2) loci were in complete linkage disequilibrium. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of MTOR gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Mammalian cell growth, in general, and particularly in cells of the conceptus, is regulated by growth factors and the availability of nutrients. The mechanistic mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR/FRAP1) cell signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating cell growth and metabolism in response to growth factors and nutritional status to affect biological and physiological responses of cells and organs. MTOR is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase. The MTOR pathway is a ‘‘nutrient-sensing system’’ stimulated by molecules that include SPP1, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), glucose and selected amino acids. The MTOR cell signaling pathway is a prominent component of the peri-implantation intra-uterine environment in sheep. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Exons (57) of the MTOR gene and their flanking intron regions were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The MTOR gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 77 loci was found comparing with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Forty-four (44) loci form seventeen groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Four new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of IGF-2 gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e. the animal ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake), is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs, due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of a large number of variants in these genes is necessary in order to accurately predict or identify efficient animals. A major role of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) is considered to be the regulation of tissue growth and differentiation. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), also known as growth regulator A or somatomedin A, plays an important role in regulating fetal development, tumor proliferation and skeletal muscle growth. IGF2 also functions as a major growth factor that promotesand as an autocrine signal in muscle cell growth. The proportion of skeletal muscle in various animal taxa ranges from 40 - 60%. As an essential factor for muscle cell differentiation. IGF2 can promote sheep muscle cell proliferation and differentiation by increasing the expression of MyoD and myogenin About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Exons (5) of the IGF-2 gene and their flanking intron regions were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The IGF-2 gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 16 loci was found compared with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Six (6) loci form three groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Six new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of MSTN gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds raised in Latvia in 2022 within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent Feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal’s ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving Feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as, according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Myostatin (MSTN), a highly conserved member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b) superfamily, also known as growth/differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), the major regulator of myogenesis, functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth and development in mammals. Myostatin is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily member and cannot be classified into the existing TGF-β subfamilies, such as inhibins or bone morphogenic proteins. Mutations of MSTN produce a “double-muscle” phenotype, making it commercially invaluable for improving livestock meat production and providing high-quality human protein. However, mutations at different loci of the MSTN often produce a variety of different phenotypes. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Full MSTN gene were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The MSTN gene has been fully sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 23 loci were found comparing with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Nine (9) loci form three groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. One new SNP (without ID number) were found. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) analysis of association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Database of NGS results of CAST gene of intensive fattening lambs of sheep breeds in Latvia within the framework of project of the Latvian Council of Science LZP-2021/1-0489 project

Project of The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) - LZP-2021/1-0489 project: “Development of an innovative approach to identify biological determinants involved in the between-animal variation in feed efficiency in sheep farming.” The aim of the project is to determine whether the feed efficiency status of Latvian meat sheep breeds could be predicted using a panel of genetic and molecular markers previously found to be associated with divergent feed efficiency status in a training population of lambs when fed the same diet. Novelty: to determine the parameters predicting the most productive result of lamb rearing, we set out to develop the cheapest and most effective method for determining markers of feed efficiency - based on molecular and genetic markers obtained from the blood of live lambs. About the project: The costs associated with lambing (buying or keeping sheep) and preparing or purchasing feed are the two largest components of variable costs in sheep raising. Feed costs are high due to poor grain growing conditions in major producing countries, the use of feed grains in ethanol production, and increased competition for land in crop production compared to urban development. Feed efficiency in growing lambs (i.e., the animal's ability to reach a market or adult body weight (BW) with the least amount of feed intake) is a key factor in the sheep industry. Improving feed efficiency reduces production costs. Improving Feed efficiency by 5% can bring economic benefits that are up to four times higher than a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG). Traditionally, meat breeding programs have focused on outputs due mainly to the routine availability of phenotypic data on outputs or correlated traits. Currently, no marker has successfully explained enough of the variability in feed efficiency that they were used as part of a routine improvement program, as well as according to our data, no genetic parameters for performance and feed efficiency traits are available for sheep. The physiological determinants of feed efficiency or putative biomarkers used to analyze animal-to-animal variation in live lambs could be used as a cost-effective and rapid tool for genetic selection or management decisions. As with other complex traits (also referred to as quantitative or polygenic traits), Feed efficiency is controlled by many genes which are involved in several molecular mechanisms and pathways causing animal-to-animal genetic variation in different biological functions. GWAS results suggested genes impacting lipid and energy metabolism as markers of Feed efficiency. Detection of many variants in these genes is necessary to predict or identify efficient animals accurately. Calpastatin (CAST) plays a key role in skeletal muscle development and is involved in myoblast migration, protein metabolism, apoptosis, muscle growth and development, and fat deposition. About the data of the project: LZP-2021/1-0489 project data on lamb samples of the year 2022, or the A22 group, which consists of 76 intensively fattened lambs from six breeds. Exons (29) of the CAST gene and their flanking intron regions were sequenced using Illumina NGS technology (AmpliSeq). The CAST gene has been sequenced in lambs of Latvia (in sheep research in Latvia) for the first time. Information about 89 loci were found, from which eight were monozygotic or were found only for the rear allele compering with the last reference sequences ARS_UI_Ramb_v2.0. Forty (40) loci form five groups with complete linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms. Four new SNP (without ID number) were found, and three SNPs were determined to be a single polymorphism. The database contains information on each locus for each lamb and the distribution of alleles and genotypes for each locus across all 76 samples. The data will be used in (1) an analysis of Latvian sheep and (2) an analysis of the association with feed efficiency.   The data is the joint property of the participants of the LCS project: the University of Latvia and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies.