Black Coat Color Research Articles

Targeted Sequencing for Studying Economically Useful Traits and Phylogenetic Diversity of Ancient Sheep

Sheep were one of the first animals to be domesticated. The history of sheep domestication and their widespread distribution dates to about ten thousand years ago, during which sheep exhibit both physical changes and modifications at the genetic level. The authors developed a system of 49 oligonucleotide primers for targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of genetic loci for phylogenetic analysis and identifying economically useful traits. Altogether, NGS libraries were prepared and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform(Illumina) for 48 samples, for 40 of which it was possible to determine phylogenetic lineages: 28 belonged to haplogroup B, 10 to haplogroup A, and one sample each to haplogroups C and D. Study of the genes associated with economically useful traits revealed the samples with nucleotide substitutions in the MC1R gene leading to black coat color: two samples with c.218T>A, one with c.361G>A, and two with both substitutions simultaneously, as well as one sample with the substitution in the GDF8 gene associated with muscle hypertrophy and one with the substitution in the TYRP1 gene associated with brown coat color. The data obtained confirm a high genetic diversity of sheep from ancient southwestern Siberia and the utility of targeted sequencing for the study of ancient DNA samples.

Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals key genes of different coat color in sheep skin.

BackgroundTo investigate the molecular mechanisms determining the coat color of native breed sheep in Xinjiang.MethodsBashibai sheep, Yemule white sheep and Tulufan black sheep were selected. Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing technology was used to detect the genes responsible for the white, light brown, black and cyan gray coat colors in sheep. Sequence analysis and functional gene annotation analysis were performed to analyze the results. The signal pathways and differentially expressed genes related to sheep hair color production regulation were screened and finally verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFunctional annotation by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed significant differences in enrichment of immunity-related pathways as well as melanogenesis synthetic and tyrosine metabolism pathways. Our results showed that the DCT, TYR, TYRP1, PMEL, SLC45A2 and MLANA six genes may be associated with the regulation of coat color development and provide a theoretical basis for selecting natural coat colors of sheep.

A deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the hair cycle-specific ASIP transcript isoform in black and tan rabbits.

Black and tan animals have tan-coloured ventral body surfaces separated by sharp boundaries from black-coloured dorsal body surfaces. In the at mouse mutant, a retroviral 6kb insertion located in the hair cycle-specific promoter of the murine Asip gene encoding agouti signalling protein causes the black and tan phenotype. In rabbits, three ASIP alleles are thought to exist, including an at allele causing a black and tan coat colour that closely resembles the mouse black and tan phenotype. The goal of our study was to identify the functional genetic variant causing the rabbit at allele. We performed a WGS-based comparative analysis of the ASIP gene in one black and tan and three wt agouti-coloured rabbits. The analysis identified 75 at -associated variants including an 11kb deletion. The deletion is located in the region of the hair cycle-specific ASIP promoter and thus in a region homologous to the site of the retroviral insertion causing the at allele in mice. We observed perfect association of the genotypes at this deletion with the coat colour phenotype in 49 rabbits. The comparative analysis and the previous knowledge about the regulation of ASIP expression suggest that the 11kb deletion is the most likely causative variant for the black and tan phenotype in rabbits.

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and vector density in a dry season in Gamo-Gofa and Dawuro Zones, Southern Ethiopia.

Trypanosomosis remains one of the biggest constraints of livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. It is of particular concern in Ethiopia where crop production is largely dependent on animal traction power. This study was conducted between November 2015 and March 2016 to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and vector density in Gamo-Gofa and Dawuro Zones located in Southern Ethiopia. For the entomological survey, a total of 305 NGU traps were deployed for three consecutive days at different positions in the two study areas. For parasitological study, blood samples were collected from 2402 cattle and examined for the presence of trypanosomes by the buffy coat technique (BCT). Blood samples that were positive in the BCT were further tested with Giemsa-stained thin smears for identification of Trypanosoma species. In the entomological survey, a total of 4113 flies were captured of which 1605 (39%) were tsetse flies while 2508 (61%) were other biting flies of the genus Stomoxys and Tabanus. Glossina pallidipes was the only tsetse fly identified in the study areas. The overall mean apparent density of G. pallidipes was 1.8 flies per trap per day (FTD). The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis in the study areas was 5.1% (95% CI: 4.2-6.0); however, it was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in Dawuro Zone (10%) than Gamo-Gofa (1.9%). Prevalence was also noted to be significantly (p < 0.001) higher in cattle with black coat colour and those with poor body condition. Trypanosomosis was caused mainly by Trypanosoma congolense (61.8%) and to a lesser extent by T. vivax (28.5%). Mixed infection by the two spp. was seen in 9.8% of the total positive animals. Evaluation of the mean packed cell volume (PCV) of the study animals with infection status revealed a significantly (p < 0.001) lower mean PCV in parasitaemic animals (21.5 ± 0.46SE) than aparasitaemic ones (24.3 ± 0.11SE). Generally, the prevalence noted in the current study is moderate. However the observation of such level of infection in a dry season suggests that the disease is still an important constraint of cattle production in the study areas. Thus, we recommend that theexisting parasite and vector control interventions need to be strengthened with special emphasis to Dawuro Zone where the prevalence was significantly higher. As the current sampling was done only once and in a dry season only, further longitudinal studies including all the seasons of the year need to be considered in the future.

Mutations in ASIP and MC1R: dominant black and recessive black alleles segregate in native Swedish sheep populations.

By studying genes associated with coat colour, we can understand the role of these genes in pigmentation but also gain insight into selection history. North European short-tailed sheep, including Swedish breeds, have variation in their coat colour, making them good models to expand current knowledge of mutations associated with coat colour in sheep. We studied ASIP and MC1R, two genes with known roles in pigmentation, and their association with black coat colour. We did this by sequencing the coding regions of ASIP in 149 animals and MC1R in 129 animals from seven native Swedish sheep breeds in individuals with black, white or grey fleece. Previously known mutations in ASIP [recessive black allele: g.100_105del (D5 ) and/or g.5172T>A] were associated with black coat colour in Klövsjö and Roslag sheep breeds and mutations in both ASIP and MC1R (dominant black allele: c.218T>A and/or c.361G>A) were associated with black coat colour in Swedish Finewool. In Gotland, Gute, Värmland and Helsinge sheep breeds, coat colour inheritance was more complex: only 11 of 16 individuals with black fleece had genotypes that could explain their black colour. These breeds have grey individuals in their populations, and grey is believed to be a result of mutations and allelic copy number variation within the ASIP duplication, which could be a possible explanation for the lack of a clear inheritance pattern in these breeds. Finally, we found a novel missense mutation in MC1R (c.452G>A) in Gotland, Gute and Värmland sheep and evidence of a duplication of MC1R in Gotland sheep.

Ancient pigs reveal a near-complete genomic turnover following their introduction to Europe

Archaeological evidence indicates that pig domestication had begun by ∼10,500 y before the present (BP) in the Near East, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) suggests that pigs arrived in Europe alongside farmers ∼8,500 y BP. A few thousand years after the introduction of Near Eastern pigs into Europe, however, their characteristic mtDNA signature disappeared and was replaced by haplotypes associated with European wild boars. This turnover could be accounted for by substantial gene flow from local European wild boars, although it is also possible that European wild boars were domesticated independently without any genetic contribution from the Near East. To test these hypotheses, we obtained mtDNA sequences from 2,099 modern and ancient pig samples and 63 nuclear ancient genomes from Near Eastern and European pigs. Our analyses revealed that European domestic pigs dating from 7,100 to 6,000 y BP possessed both Near Eastern and European nuclear ancestry, while later pigs possessed no more than 4% Near Eastern ancestry, indicating that gene flow from European wild boars resulted in a near-complete disappearance of Near East ancestry. In addition, we demonstrate that a variant at a locus encoding black coat color likely originated in the Near East and persisted in European pigs. Altogether, our results indicate that while pigs were not independently domesticated in Europe, the vast majority of human-mediated selection over the past 5,000 y focused on the genomic fraction derived from the European wild boars, and not on the fraction that was selected by early Neolithic farmers over the first 2,500 y of the domestication process.

Nested retrotransposition in the East Asian mouse genome causes the classical nonagouti mutation

Black coat color (nonagouti) is a widespread classical mutation in laboratory mouse strains. The intronic insertion of endogenous retrovirus VL30 in the nonagouti (a) allele of agouti gene was previously reported as the cause of the nonagouti phenotype. Here, we report agouti mouse strains from East Asia that carry the VL30 insertion, indicating that VL30 alone does not cause the nonagouti phenotype. We find that a rare type of endogenous retrovirus, β4, was integrated into the VL30 region at the a allele through nested retrotransposition, causing abnormal splicing. Targeted complete deletion of the β4 element restores agouti gene expression and agouti coat color, whereas deletion of β4 except for a single long terminal repeat results in black-and-tan coat color. Phylogenetic analyses show that the a allele and the β4 retrovirus originated from an East Asian mouse lineage most likely related to Japanese fancy mice. These findings reveal the causal mechanism and historic origin of the classical nonagouti mutation.

Identification and sequence characterization of melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) in Bos indicus versus (Bos taurus X Bos indicus)

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) plays a vital role in melanogenesis and determines coat color of mammals. Polymorphic variants in MC1R, causing coat color variation, were described in few mammals; however, such studies were not done in cattle. The objective of the study was to explore the association of MC1R gene polymorphism within Tharparkar (Bos indicus) and Karan Fries (B. indicus X Bos taurus) cattle. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of Tharparkar breed by modified Phenol: Chloroform; Isoamyl alcohol method. Using genomic DNA as template for PCR, MC1R gene was amplified and sequenced. The sequences were analyzed and submitted to Genbank with Acc.No MG373615-MG373644. Comparison of sequence alignment with other bovine species using ClustalW revealed 99–96% similarity. MC1R gene phylogenetic analyses were analyzed using MEGA X. The MC1R gene tree, protein domains and genetic variation of cattle were retrieved from Ensemble Asia Cattle Genome Browser. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (c.296T > C, c.583T > C, c.663C > T, c.830T > C, c.853G > A, c.880G > A, c.906C > G, c.927C > T) in CDS reveal high genetic variability. Subsequent to amino acid changes p.L99P, p.F195L, p.F277S, p.A285T and p.D293N, p.R302S, respectively found in seven-transmembrane. Mutations appeared in MC1R of B. taurus with white and black coat color as compared to B. indicus with white coat.

Expression and tissue distribution analysis of Angiotensin II in sheep (Ovis aries) skins associated with white and black coat colors

Angiotensin II (AngII) regulates pigment synthesis by tyrosinase in melanocytes. To evaluate the association between AngII and coat color formation, we detected the expression distribution of AngII in white and black sheep skins by LC-ESI-MS/MS, western blot, quantitative real-time-PCR (qPCR) and distribution of AngII by immunohistochemistry.Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem MS (LC-ESI-MS/MS) results showed that AngII was found in white and black skin tissues of sheep. Western blot results verified the LC-ESI-MS/MS results and suggested that AngII was expressed at significantly higher levels in black sheep skins compared with the white sheep skins. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) results also revealed that the expression level of AngII mRNA was higher in black sheep skins than that in white sheep skins. Immunohistochemical analysis further demonstrated that AngII protein was localized in the hair bulb and outer root sheath of hair follicle in sheep. In summary, protein and transcripts exhibited the same expression pattern in white and black sheep skins. Furthermore, the expressions of AngII in the hair bulb and outer root sheath of black sheep were stronger than those in white sheep. These results suggested that AngII functions in sheep coat color regulation and offer a novel insight for further investigation on the role of AngII in the coat color formation in sheep.

Dorper sheep cross breeding with Indigenous sheep breed in Ethiopia

The objective of this review paper was to review dorper sheep cross breeding with indigenous sheep breed in Ethiopia. The paper reviewed and discussed the history of dorper breed introduction, research and development efforts in crossbreeding and their performance under on-station and on-farm management. Formal survey on farmers perception on Dorper cross sheep indicated that the crossbred dorper sheep have non selective feed behavior and excellent in meat production under farmer`s management. On other study showed that dorper sheep was not meet farmer interest in breeding sheep aspect because of black coat color. The performance of indigenous sheep and their crosses with Dorper varied as per the location, management, farming conditions and percentage of exotic blood level inheritance. Different research output by team of researchers on farm and on station performance evaluation of dorper indicated that crossbreds often outperformed their local contemporaries. Under on farm condition, body weight at different ages was significantly higher in 50% Dorper crosses as compared to their 25% and75% counter parts.On station birth weight of Dorper (3.39 3.8 kg) better than crossbreed (3.0 3.24 ± 0.04 kg) and local sheep (2.36 2.77 kg), respectively.While the mean weaning weight (14 16 kg) and yearling weight (26.95 32.43 ± 0.46 kg) of 50% Dorper crossbreed was better than indigenous sheep breeds. However, crossbred ewes and local sheep breeds did not differ in litter size. Dorper crosses with Afar under on station is not economically important due to lower weight in all aspects. Crossbreeding programs of dorper with indigenous sheep require strong research and development support from public service and non-governmental institutions for sustainable design, optimization, and implementation in clearly defined production environments.

A 4-bp deletion in the ASIP gene is associated with the recessive black coat colour in domestic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

A 4-bp deletion in the ASIP gene is associated with the recessive black coat colour in domestic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Estimation of genetic and non-genetic effects influencing coat colour in black horses

The aims of this study are the quantitative characterisation of the coat colour in the black variety of the Old Kladruber Horse breed, the estimation of the coat colour genetic parameters, and the determination of the factors that influence coat colour intensity. A total of 252 horses aged 1–24 years were included in the study. The colour parameters were taken using a Konica Minolta spectrophotometer CM-2500d at four different body parts during the summer and winter seasons, resulting in 1748 phenotypic records. The possible effects of sex, season, housing system, age and body part on the spectrophotometric parameters were analysed. The results confirmed that the intensity of the black coat colour can be influenced by a number of factors (sex, season, housing system, and age). The mares showed more red and yellow colour compared to the stallions. In the winter season, the horses had a lighter colour with a lower proportion of reddish-brown hairs. Horses kept outdoors, especially in the summer months, had a lighter colour with a higher proportion of red and yellow. Although the age was statistically significant, no specific trend was observed. The differences in colour found between body parts (neck, shoulder, belly, and croup) are in line with current knowledge – reddish fading in the blacks primarily occurs in the belly region. The estimated heritability values suggest possible multifactorial inheritance, especially with regards to the reddish tinge in hairs (h&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.20 to 0.29 according to body part).

Unravelling the genetic loci for growth and carcass traits in Chinese Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4 million SNP array.

Bamaxiang pig is from Guangxi province in China, characterized by its small body size and two-end black coat colour. It is an important indigenous breed for local pork market and excellent animal model for biomedical research. In this study, we performed genomewide association studies (GWAS) on 43 growth and carcass traits in 315 purebred Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4million SNP array. We observed considerable phenotypic variability in the growth and carcass traits in the Bamaxiang pigs. The corresponding SNP based heritability varied greatly across the 43 traits and ranged from 9.0% to 88%. Through a conditional GWAS, we identified 53 significant associations for 35 traits at p value threshold of 10-6 . Among which, 26 associations on chromosome 3, 7, 14 and X passed a genomewide significance threshold of 5×10-8 . The most remarkable loci were at around 30.6Mb on chromosome 7, which had growth stage-dependent effects on body lengths and cannon circumferences and showed large effects on multiple carcass traits. We discussed HMGA1 NUDT3, EIF2AK1, TMEM132C and AFF2 that near the lead SNP of significant loci as plausible candidate genes for corresponding traits. We also showed that including phenotypic covariate in GWAS can help to reveal additional significant loci for the target traits. The results provide insight into the genetic architecture of growth and carcass traits in Bamaxiang pigs.

The mutations within MC1R, TYRP1, ASIP genes and their effects on phenotypes of coat color in wild pigs (Sus scrofa ussuricus )

Animal coloration is a powerful model for studying the genetic mechanisms that determine animal phenotypes. But, there has not been comprehensive characterization of the molecular basis of the complex patterns of coat color phenotype variation in wild boars. This study results indicated that the wild-type allele E+ of the MC1R gene was a dominant allele in wild boars and was not responsible for black, brown or other coat color phenotypes. A novel mutation c.695 T &gt; C was identified in the 3¢-UTR of the ASIP gene. The association analysis showed that the C mutation allele was highly significantly associated with wild-type coat colors between wild boars and Western pig breeds (P=1.35E-33). A non-synonymous g.2254 G &gt; A substitution was found in exon 2 of the TYRP1 gene (p.143His&gt;Arg). The association analysis demonstrated that the G mutation allele was also significantly associated with wild-type coat colors between wild boars and Western pig breeds (P = 5.09E-10). In short, a few mutation sites in MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 genes were identified and surveyed several polymorphisms molecular variations in Chinese wild boars. In our identified mutations have caused the morphological diversity in wild boars, but did not influence coat color phenotype variation in some domesticated pig breeds. The conclusion was obtained that some mutations in color-associated genes were associated with wild-type coat colors in wild boar population, and that similar coat colorations observed in domesticated pig and wild boars can be the product of underlying differences in the genetic basis of color variants.

Inheritance Patterns of Coat Colouration and Horn Number in Jacob Sheep

Abstract The allele for black coat colour is dominant relative to the allele for lilac in Jacob sheep and is affected by a single gene locus. The percentage of this colouration, as opposed to white fleece, across the body has a heritability value of 0.255. The mode of inheritance for horn number in these animals is less clear, with neither the trait for 2 horns, nor for 4 horns being totally dominant, based on crosses of 2 x 2-horned parents and 4 x 4-horned parents; although in these examples the majority of lambs had the same number of horns as their parents. However, when one parent had 2 horns and the other had 4 horns, the gender of the 4-horned parent appeared to influence the frequency of 4-horned offspring; 77% of lambs born to a 4-horned dam being 4-horned, but only 50% when the 4-horned parent was the sire. These data suggest evidence for sex-limiting factors being involved in determining the number of horns in this breed.

Discriminant analysis of colour measurements reveals allele dosage effect of ASIP/MC1R in bay horses

Considering the variability of bay coat colour, we aimed to investigate the association of different shades of bay with ASIP and MC1R genotype combinations and we studied the discrimination between the bay and black coat colour. We phenotypically characterized coat colour using a spectrophotometer. The measurements were based upon international standards as defined by the CIE L*a*b* colour system and we phenotyped five different body parts (neck, armpit area, shoulder, belly, croup) of 43 bay and 14 black horses kept under standardized conditions. From the five measuring points a stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that chromacity and luminescence of armpit area and luminescence of the neck were the most important traits to differentiate between black and bay horses, whereas it was shown that the red colour spectrum of neck, luminescence of the neck, and luminescence of the armpit area grouped bay horses according to their ASIP and MC1R genotype combinations. Within the group of bay horses the analyses identified a single ASIP/MC1R genotype combination (A/a E/E) where colour variables differed significantly from the three remaining genotype groups. A/a E/E horses were characterized in all body parts except in the armpit region by significant darker shades (lower luminescence, less chromacity). Regarding classifications of coat colour, we found in the significant cluster of A/a E/E horses the coat colour categories seal brown and dark (mahogany) bay. Overall, we were able to show that the characterization of equine coat colour based upon international standards as defined by the CIE L*a*b* colour system represents a valuable tool for a precise description of colour variation and association analyses.

Polymorphisms in MC1R and ASIP Genes are Associated with Coat Color Variation in the Arabian Camel.

Pigmentation in mammals is primarily determined by the distribution of eumelanin and pheomelanin, the ratio of which is mostly controlled by the activity of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and agouti signaling protein (ASIP) genes. Using 91 animals from 10 Arabian camel populations, that included the 4 predominant coat color phenotypes observed in the dromedary (light brown, dark brown, black, and white), we investigated the effects of the MC1R and ASIP sequence variants and identified candidate polymorphisms associated with coat color variation. In particular, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), found in the coding region of MC1R (901C/T), linked to the white coat color, whereas a 1-bp deletion (23delT/T) and a SNP (25G/A) in exon 2 of ASIP are associated with both black and dark-brown coat colors. Our results also indicate support that the light-brown coat color is likely the ancestral coat color for the dromedary. These sequence variations at the MC1R and ASIP genes represent the first documented evidence of candidate polymorphisms associated with Mendelian traits in the dromedary.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Identify Candidate Genes for Coat Color and Mohair Traits in the Iranian Markhoz Goat.

The Markhoz goat provides an opportunity to study the genetics underlying coat color and mohair traits of an Angora type goat using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This indigenous Iranian breed is valued for its quality mohair used in ceremonial garments and has the distinction of exhibiting an array of coat colors including black, brown, and white. Here, we performed 16 GWAS for different fleece (mohair) traits and coat color in 228 Markhoz goats sampled from the Markhoz Goat Research Station in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province, located in western Iran using the Illumina Caprine 50K beadchip. The Efficient Mixed Model Linear analysis was used to identify genomic regions with potential candidate genes contributing to coat color and mohair characteristics while correcting for population structure. Significant associations to coat color were found within or near the ASIP, ITCH, AHCY, and RALY genes on chromosome 13 for black and brown coat color and the KIT and PDGFRA genes on chromosome 6 for white coat color. Individual mohair traits were analyzed for genetic association along with principal components that allowed for a broader perspective of combined traits reflecting overall mohair quality and volume. A multitude of markers demonstrated significant association to mohair traits highlighting potential candidate genes of POU1F1 on chromosome 1 for mohair quality, MREG on chromosome 2 for mohair volume, DUOX1 on chromosome 10 for yearling fleece weight, and ADGRV1 on chromosome 7 for grease percentage. Variation in allele frequencies and haplotypes were identified for coat color and differentiated common markers associated with both brown and black coat color. This demonstrates the potential for genetic markers to be used in future breeding programs to improve selection for coat color and mohair traits. Putative candidate genes, both novel and previously identified in other species or breeds, require further investigation to confirm phenotypic causality and potential epistatic relationships.

Characteristics of and risk factors for intervertebral disk extrusions in Pekingese.

OBJECTIVE To characterize and identify risk factors for intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE) in Pekingese. DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS 426 Pekingese (81 with confirmed IVDE and 345 without IVDE) admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital from 2005 through 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data were extracted regarding age, sex, body weight, body condition score, coat color, chief reason for initial evaluation, body system involved, and diagnosis. Survey radiographs of the vertebral column were examined. Data were compared between the confirmed IVDE and non-IVDE groups. RESULTS Confirmed IVDE was uncommon in dogs < 2 years of age (2/81 [2%]). The extrusion was primarily located in the thoracolumbar (n = 57 [70%]) and cervical (22 [27%]) regions; the most common sites were T12-13 and C6-7. The number of radiographically visible calcified disks was significantly greater in the confirmed IVDE versus non-IVDE group, and the presence of calcified disks in the T10-L4 region was associated with increased odds of IVDE (OR, 21.2). Black coat color was significantly more prevalent in the confirmed IVDE versus non-IVDE group and was associated with increased odds of developing IVDE (OR, 1.6). Mean body weight and the proportion of spayed female dogs were significantly greater in the confirmed IVDE versus non-IVDE group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Several risk factors for confirmed IVDE in Pekingese were identified that could be useful for counseling clients about the disease or, with additional research, designing selective breeding programs to reduce the prevalence of IVDE in the breed.

Phenotypic characterization of beef cattle breeds and production practices in Liberia.

Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources (AnGR) involves identification of distinct breed populations, describing their external and production characteristics in a given environment and management, and taking into account the social and economic factors that affect them. A survey involving 346 livestock farmers was conducted in the 15 counties of Liberia to collect data on production practices and phenotypic characteristics of beef cattle. A pre-tested structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews were utilized in data collection. Phenotypic descriptors were measured using a measuring tape and weighing scale. The purpose for keeping beef cattle, preferred cattle traits, and challenges of beef cattle farmers were also assessed. Liberia's beef cattle are predominantly of Ndama (50%), Muturu (38%), and Zebu (11%) breeds. Beef cattle are mainly kept on free range with little investment in housing, feeding, and veterinary care. Beef cattle are raised mainly for income generation, with high cost and low availability of feed (32%), insufficient housing (25%), diseases (21%), and high costs of veterinary medicines (12%) being the main challenges faced by the farmers. Liberian beef cattle were characterized as being docile (53%) or moderate (33%) in temperament, with solid/uniform coat color pattern (61%), black coat color (26%), and non-pigmented skin (84%). The animals had mainly erect or lateral ears, straight back lines, and are sloped rumps. Disease (54%) and drought tolerance (30%) were the main adaptive traits reported. The body weight of beef cattle sampled ranged from 213 to 226kg, the body length from 119 to 122cm, and the heart girth from 134 to 140cm. The government of Liberia should improve policies on local AnGR management and support stakeholder institutions to ensure their sustainable use and conservation.