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The Genomic Landscape of Cattle: Domestication, Dispersal, and Adaptive Evolution
Yiduan Liu1,2, Wenbin Dao1,2, Ruixia Gao1,2
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Cattle originated from two domestication events in the Fertile Crescent and Indus Valley. Genomic analysis reveals their global spread, adaptation, and genetic diversity, crucial for future breeding and conservation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Animal science
Background:
- Domestic cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) are key to human history and agriculture.
- Understanding their evolutionary path is vital for conservation and breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of cattle using paleogenomics and population genetics.
- To analyze the genetic basis of cattle adaptation and diversity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of paleogenomic and modern population genetic data.
- Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome haplotypes, and whole-genome sequencing.
- Integration of data from modern, ancient, and wild cattle samples.
Main Results:
- Identified two primary domestication events: Bos taurus (~10,500 years ago) and Bos indicus (~8000 years ago).
- Detailed the global dispersal and admixture of cattle lineages.
- Uncovered molecular mechanisms of adaptation and production traits driven by selection.
Conclusions:
- Cattle evolution is a complex mosaic shaped by domestication, dispersal, and admixture.
- Emerging pangenome data highlights genetic variations for climate resilience and disease resistance.
- Insights are critical for conserving cattle genetic resources and advancing molecular breeding.
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