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Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Selection Signatures of Abigar Cattle for Local Adaptation
Wondossen Ayalew1,2, Xiaoyun Wu1, Getinet Mekuriaw Tarekegn2,3
1Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Genomic sequencing reveals Abigar cattle possess high genetic diversity and unique adaptive genes for tropical environments. These findings are vital for improving cattle resilience to climate change and harsh conditions.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Climate Change Adaptation
Background:
- Indigenous cattle breeds exhibit natural resistance and tolerance to challenging environments.
- Understanding the genetic basis of these adaptive traits is essential for breed improvement and sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct whole-genome sequencing of Abigar cattle in a tropical environment.
- To analyze genomic diversity, population structure, and identify selection signatures related to adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of Abigar cattle.
- Population structure analysis using nucleotide diversity (Pi) and fixation index (Fst).
- Gene identification and functional annotation for adaptive traits.
Main Results:
- Abigar cattle show high nucleotide diversity, heterozygosity, and low inbreeding.
- Identified 83 candidate genes associated with adaptation to tropical conditions.
- Specific genes linked to heat tolerance (e.g., HOXC13), immune response (e.g., IRAK3), and oxidative stress (e.g., SLC23A1) were found.
Conclusions:
- Abigar cattle possess a genetically diverse landscape supporting adaptation to tropical climates.
- The identified genes provide a foundation for understanding and enhancing cattle resilience to environmental stressors.
- This research is critical for developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on cattle production.
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