Climate Adaptation of Tropical Cattle

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Climate Adaptation

Background:

• Tropical cattle comprise over half the global population, with research focusing on breeds and nutrition.
• Heat stress is a primary challenge for cattle adaptation in tropical climates.
• Existing adaptation strategies often target external traits, but comprehensive genomic approaches are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for genetic improvement in tropical cattle for climate adaptation.
• To identify key traits for adaptation, including heat tolerance and reduced methane emission.
• To emphasize the potential and challenges of implementing genomic selection in tropical regions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current research on tropical cattle adaptation.
• Identification of major genes influencing coat characteristics and heat tolerance.
• Discussion of genome-estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for genetic improvement.

Main Results:

• External traits like coat color offer limited adaptation; holistic genomic approaches are required.
• Dry season weight loss is a critical, understudied trait linked to methane emission and climate forcing.
• Genome-estimated breeding values are essential for efficient genetic gain but face significant implementation hurdles.

Conclusions:

• Genetic improvement of tropical cattle requires integrating whole-genome information and physiological systems.
• Addressing heat tolerance and methane emission through GEBVs is vital for sustainable cattle production.
• Overcoming methodological difficulties is paramount for successful genomic selection in tropical cattle breeding programs.