Ruminal expression of theNQO1,RGS5, andACAT1genes may be indicators of feed efficiency in beef steers

Abstract

Ruminal genes differentially expressed in crossbred beef steers from USMARC with variation in gain and feed intake were identified in a previous study. Several of the genes identified with expression patterns differing between animals with high gain-low feed intake and low gain-high feed intake were evaluated in a separate, unrelated population of Angus × Hereford beef steers from the University of Wyoming that was classified to differ in residual feed intake (RFI). Of the 17 genes tested, two were differentially expressed by RFI class in the Angus × Hereford animals. These genes included NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1; P = 0.0009) and regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5; P = 0.01). A third gene, acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1; P = 0.06), displayed a trend toward association with RFI. These data suggest that some of the genes identified in a previous rumen transcriptome discovery study may have utility for identifying or selecting for animals with superior feed efficiency phenotypes across cattle breeds and populations.

Integrative approach using liver and duodenum RNA-Seq data identifies candidate genes and pathways associated with feed efficiency in pigs

“…Kern et al . 31 suggested the ruminal expression of NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) as indicator of FE in beef. Moreover, genes such as SIN3 Transcription Regulator Family Member A (SIN3A) , CUB And Sushi Multiple Domains 2 (CSMD2) , Leukocyte Cell Derived Chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) and Cell Division Cycle 37 Like 1 (CDC37L1 ) had been described as associated with FE traits in beef 9 , 12 and poultry 30 , 32 .…”

Residual feed intake in beef cattle and its association with carcass traits, ruminal solid-fraction bacteria, and epithelium gene expression

“…Major ruminal bacteria that play key roles in cellulose digestion ( Fibrobacter succinogenes, Eubacterium ruminantium ) [ 10 , 11 ], hemicellulose breakdown ( Prevotella bryantii ) [ 12 ], xylan degradation ( Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus ) [ 13 ], starch consumption ( Succinimonas amylolytica, Streptococcus bovis, Succinovibrio dextrinosolvens ) [ 14 ], lactate utilization ( Megasphaera elsdenii , Selenomonas ruminantium ) [ 15 , 16 ], and ruminal biohydrogenation ( Anaerovibrio lipolytica ) [ 17 ] were quantified in the rumen-solids fraction. Additionally, the abundance of rumen epithelial genes playing key roles in VFA absorption [ 18 ], metabolism [ 19 , 20 ], ketogenesis [ 21 , 22 ], and immune/inflammation-response [ 23 ] that could be affected by the changes in feed intake between RFI groups were measured at slaughter.…”

Jersey steer ruminal papillae histology and nutrigenomics with diet changes

“…NADPH quinone dehydrogenase 1 ( NQO1 ) protects cells from damage caused by oxidative stress by acting as a substrate for the two‐electron transferring flavoenzymes (Sarlauskas et al, ). In the rumen papillae of Angus × Hereford steers, NQO1 had increased expression in low RFI individuals (Kern et al, ); hence, NQO1 could be considered as a marker for feed efficiency. Additionally, in cattle fed grain to the point of SARA, NQO1 expression was downregulated (Abaker et al, ).…”

“…Bulls fed a high concentrate diet increased absorption of acetic acid due to greater ACAT1 activity in rumen epithelium (Harmon et al, ). In Angus × Hereford steers, ACAT1 trended towards increased expression with increased RFI (Kern et al, ). In our study, signs of ketogenesis were noticed by a significant increment in ACAT1 expression at the end of the study in both treatment groups.…”