Gene Enrichment and Pathway Analysis for Ketosis Resistance in Dairy Cattle: A GWAS-Based Approach

Ketosis in dairy cattle is a common metabolic disorder that arises during the transition period from late gestation to early lactation. It is primarily caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to an excessive accumulation of ketone bodies. This condition can significantly affect cattle health and productivity. Recent advances in genomic research, especially genome-wide association studies (GWAS), offer an opportunity to explore the genetic factors that contribute to ketosis resistance. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review and analyze existing GWAS data using gene enrichment analysis to identify potential functional candidate gene pathways associated with ketosis resistance in dairy cattle. In this study, data obtained from seven different studies were examined and 640 non-repetitive genes were obtained after filtering. Using Enrichr, an online tool for gene annotation, pathway analysis was performed with human homologs of the identified genes. Our findings highlight the acylglycerol homeostasis pathway, the regulation of triglyceride metabolism, and the role of chylomicrons in maintaining metabolic balance during ketosis. Additionally, immune response pathways were found to be linked to the genes associated with ketosis, offering insights into the intricate interplay between metabolic and immune pathways in ketosis. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic factors in developing breeding strategies aimed at enhancing metabolic health and productivity in dairy cattle. Future research should focus on validating these candidate genes and exploring their mechanistic roles to facilitate targeted interventions and improve resistance to ketosis in dairy herds.