Bovine landscape genetics in Brazil

Ana Clara Barbosa De Souza,Vanessa Peripolli,Concepta Margaret Mcmanus,Andréa Alves Do Egito

doi:10.1590/1678-992x-2020-0142

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil. We georeferenced 876 animals of ten breeds raised in Brazil kept in the Genebank of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) by sample locations using the QGIS 2.4.0 software. The Mantel tests, spatial autocorrelation, and Monmonier tests were performed. The distances for spatial correlation tests ranged from 5 to 15 classes. The results indicated genetic discontinuities in cattle breeds from the Midwest, South, and Southeast of the country. Correlation between genetic and geographic distance was low, but significant. The Monmonier Maximum Distance Algorithm indicated an initial subdivision of Curraleiro and then Pantaneiro from the other breeds. In another subdivision, Criollo, Mocho Nacional, and Caracu were grouped. Genetic discontinuity was observed beyond 431 km, the minimum sampling distance between populations for conservation purposes.

Highlights

The relationship between species adaptation and landscape characteristics has led to the emergence of “landscape genetics”, a research line that combines knowledge of population genetics, landscape ecology, and spatial statistics (Fenderson et al, 2020; Storfer et al, 2010) with the objective to describe and explain how the landscape and its components affect the genetic variation of populations of animals and plants.Farmers empirically attempt to eliminate or control external factors that negatively affect agricultural production (Antonini and Argilés–Bosch, 2017), such as environmental factors
The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil
The taurine content in composite cattle in tropical environments may increase over time (Ferraz and Felício, 2010); Brazilian taurine breeds with their unique adaptations to heat and disease resistance (Boettcher et al, 2015; McManus et al, 2020) should be of interest when climate change is taken into account (Castanheira et al, 2010; Cardoso et al, 2016)

Summary

Introduction

The relationship between species adaptation and landscape characteristics has led to the emergence of “landscape genetics”, a research line that combines knowledge of population genetics, landscape ecology, and spatial statistics (Fenderson et al, 2020; Storfer et al, 2010) with the objective to describe and explain how the landscape and its components affect the genetic variation of populations of animals and plants. Farmers make use of the knowledge of local environmental controls, such as climatic characteristics (air temperature and humidity) and altitude (Costa et al, 2014), to implement and establish production systems (Joost et al, 2010). In this sense, the application of correct and modern information and technological research that provide the understanding and control of physical factors could lead to the economic and quantitative success of farms (Oosting et al, 2014). Scholtz and Theunissen (2010) reiterated that locally adapted beef cattle breeds should be retained to ensure their continued availability for beef production in the (sub) tropics, due to the variability of their adaptive genes. We aimed to better understand the adaptation and use of cattle breeds in Brazil, as well as acquire knowledge that contributes to conservation efforts

Materials and Methods

Findings

Conclusions