Abstract
Many quantitative traits are subject to selection, where several genomic regions undergo small, simultaneous changes in allele frequency that collectively alter a phenotype. The widespread availability of genome data, along with novel statistical techniques, has made it easier to detect these changes. We apply one such method, the ‘Singleton Density Score’, to the Holstein breed of Bos taurus to detect recent selection (arising up to around 740 years ago). We identify several candidate genes for recent selection, including some relating to protein and cell regulation, the synaptic system, body growth, and immunity. We do not find strong evidence that two traits important for humans, milk–protein content and stature, have been subject to directional selection. These results inform on which genes underlie recent domestication in B. taurus. We propose how polygenic selection can be best investigated in future studies.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.