TAS2R16 introgression from banteng into indigenous Chinese cattle

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Zoology
• Animal breeding

Background:

• Historical hybridization between Chinese cattle and banteng is known.
• Gene introgression from banteng has influenced traits in indigenous cattle, such as bitter taste receptors.
• The taste 2 receptor member 16 (TAS2R16) gene is a target for studying banteng introgression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the level of introgression of the TAS2R16 gene from banteng into Chinese cattle.
• To investigate the prevalence of two specific missense mutations in the bovine TAS2R16 gene.
• To understand the influence of banteng introgression on Chinese cattle populations.

Main Methods:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used.
• Prevalence of two TAS2R16 variants was examined in 28 indigenous Chinese cattle and banteng breeds (750 individuals).
• Geographic distribution of mutant alleles was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Two mutant alleles of the TAS2R16 gene showed higher frequency distribution in southern China.
• A strong geographic distribution of these variants was observed, particularly in south-central and southeast China.
• The findings suggest banteng introgression has impacted TAS2R16 variant frequencies in Chinese cattle.

Conclusions:

• Banteng introgression has significantly influenced the frequency distribution of TAS2R16 mutations in Chinese indigenous cattle.
• The geographic distribution of these mutations suggests adaptation to different environmental conditions.
• This study provides insights into the genetic impact of hybridization and adaptation in cattle breeds.