Genome-Wide Association Studies for Lactation Performance in Buffaloes

<b>Background</b>: Buffaloes are considered an indispensable genetic resource for dairy production. However, improvements in lactation performance have been relatively limited. Advances in sequencing technology, combined with genome-wide association studies, have facilitated the breeding of high-quality buffalo. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted an integrated analysis of genomic sequencing data from 120 water buffalo, the high-quality water buffalo genome assembly designated as UOA_WB_1, and milk production traits, including 305-day milk yield (MY), peak milk yield (PM), total protein yield (PY), protein percentage (PP), fat percentage (FP), and total milk fat yield (FY). <b>Results</b>: The results identified 56 significant SNPs, and based on these markers, 54 candidate genes were selected. These candidate genes were significantly enriched in lactation-related pathways, such as the cAMP signaling pathway (<i>ABCC4</i>), TGF-β signaling pathway (<i>LEFTY2</i>), Wnt signaling pathway (<i>CAMK2D</i>), and metabolic pathways (<i>DGAT1</i>). <b>Conclusions</b>: These candidate genes (e.g., ABCC4, <i>LEFTY2</i>, <i>CAMK2D</i>, <i>DGAT1</i>) provide a substantial theoretical foundation for molecular breeding to enhance milk production in buffaloes.