Abstract
Despite the economic importance of creating cold resilient cattle breeds, our knowledge of the genetic basis of adaptation to cold environments in cattle is still scarce compared to information on other economically important traits. Herein, using whole-genome resequencing of animals showing contrasting phenotypes on temperature maintenance under acute cold stress combined with the existing SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) functional annotations, we report chromosomal regions and candidate SNPs controlling body temperature in the Siberian cattle populations. The SNP ranking procedure based on regional FST calculations, functional annotations, and the allele frequency difference between cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive groups of animals pointed to multiple candidate genes. Among these, GRIA4, COX17, MAATS1, UPK1B, IFNGR1, DDX23, PPT1, THBS1, CCL5, ATF1, PLA1A, PRKAG1, and NR1I2 were previously related to thermal adaptations in cattle. Other genes, for example KMT2D and SNRPA1, are known to be related to thermogenesis in mice and cold adaptation in common carp, respectively. This work could be useful for cattle breeding strategies in countries with harsh climates, including the Russian Federation.
Highlights
Extreme environmental temperatures are a growing challenge for animal agriculture in light of climate changes and globalization [1,2,3,4]
Using whole-genome genotyping data, we revealed GRIA4 as a promising candidate associated with body temperature maintenance under extremely low temperatures in Siberian cattle populations [19]
Among the top results of the SNP ranking we found multiple genes previously related to thermal adaptations in cattle, close Bovinae and other species (Table 1)
Summary
Extreme environmental temperatures are a growing challenge for animal agriculture in light of climate changes and globalization [1,2,3,4]. With the development of genetic tools, it is possible to genetically modify animals to introduce traits of interest including cold resistance, if the exact genetic basis is known. Given that they are one of the world’s major meat and milk sources [12], with some populations adapted to cold environments, cattle could represent a promising livestock for such endeavors. The same gene has been recently reported as a candidate for heat stress resilience in Australian Holsteins [20], implying its possible contribution to extreme temperature adaptations in general. The current knowledge of the genetics behind cold resistance is scarce compared to many other economically important traits [21]
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