Yunnan Province, located in Southwestern China, the intricate geography, variable climate, and abundant vegetation of the region have collectively contributed to shaping the distinctive germplasm characteristics observed in Yunnan indigenous cattle through prolonged domestication. The different breeds of Yunnan cattle exhibit distinct advantageous characteristics and traits, which are an important source of genetic variation because they might carry alleles that enable them to adapt to local environment and tough feeding conditions. However, a comprehensive genomic landscape of genetic resources has yet to be delineated. Herein, we employed 140 whole-genome sequencing data from Yunnan indigenous cattle across eight breeds to elucidate their genetic diversity and population structure. Utilizing both uniparental and biparental markers, we elucidated the intricate genetic composition of Yunnan indigenous cattle, which is closely correlated with the geographic environment. A predominant East Asian indicine ancestry which gradually diminishes towards the north. The analysis revealed a high genetic diversity among populations and a low-to-moderate inbreeding coefficient, underscoring the rich genetic reservoir of Yunnan cattle breeds. Additionally, gene flow between Yunnan indicine and wild Bos species in and around Yunnan was verified, highlighting localized introgression from Yunnan Gayal as a critical factor in the successful adaptation of Yunnan indicine cattle to the local hot and humid environments. Our findings established the SNPs database for facilitating resource conservation and selective breeding. Moreover, these valuable insights into the genomic diversity and adaptive history of Yunnan indigenous cattle breeds contribute significantly to our understanding of their evolutionary dynamics and offer a foundation for future genetic improvement and conservation strategies.

Gayal (Bos frontalis) an endangered bovine species inhabitingChina, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan, has a mysterious evolutionary origin. Shaped by natural selection, its unique traits make it a valuable genetic resource; however, its populations are rapidly declining. In this study, comprehensive whole-genome resequencing of fifty-eight samples of Gayal from China, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh was performed. We identified over 44 million SNPs across four Gayal populations. Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed variations in genetic diversity, with the lowest occurring in India and the highest occurring in China. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed three distinct clades representing China, India and Bangladesh-Myanmar, which were further confirmed by principal component and admixture analyses. The genetic exchanges between Gayal and other bovine species indicate limited influence from domestic cattle in both the Chinese and Bangladeshi Gayal populations. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and a phylogenetic tree highlighted the unique mitochondrial genome of Gayal. Genome-wide selection signals pinpointed candidate genes linked to mitochondrial function, immunity, musculoskeletal development, reproduction and growth performance. Distinct haplotype patterns emerged for the CCDC157, KIAA0753 and MTFP1 genes in the Chinese and Bangladesh-Myanmar Gayal populations, indicating artificial selection in the Chinese population. KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analyses provided insights into processes related to neurodevelopment, cardiac function, tissue growth, immunity and metabolism. In summary, our study enhances our understanding of Gayal genetics, population structure and selection signals across four countries. This knowledge is crucial for conserving this endangered species amid its rapid decline.

Structural variations (SVs) play crucial roles in the evolutionary adaptation of domesticated animals to natural and human-controlled environments, but SVs have not been explored in Tibetan cattle, which recently migrated and rapidly adapted to the high altitudes of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In this study, a de novo chromosome-level genome assembly for Tibetan cattle is constructed. It is found that using a lineage-specific reference genome significantly increased variant detection accuracy and completeness. Analysis of long-read sequencing data from 36 high-altitude QTP and 48 low-altitude cattle identified 222 528 SVs and 259 SV hotspot regions. Positively selected SVs in high-altitude cattle are related to energy metabolism erythropoiesis and angiogenesis, and peroxisomal metabolism. A 102-bp intronic deletion in GNPAT likely upregulated its expression. It is distinguished 7293 SVs that may be introgressed from yak, including variants upstream of the hypoxia-inducing gene EGLN1. Finally, a ≈2-Mb heterozygous inversion and two translocations on chromosome 6 are likely associated with the cattle gray coat via regulatory effects on the KIT gene. The results confirm the importance of SVs in evolutionary adaptation and the contribution yak-introgressed SVs to the rapid acclimatization of QTP cattle.

During the past 3000 years, cattle on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau have developed adaptive phenotypes under the selective pressure of hypoxia, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and extreme cold. The genetic mechanism underlying this rapid adaptation is not yet well understood. Here, we present whole-genome resequencing data for 258 cattle from 32 cattle breeds/populations, including 89 Tibetan cattle representing eight populations distributed at altitudes ranging from 3400 m to 4300 m. Our genomic analysis revealed that Tibetan cattle exhibited a continuous phylogeographic cline from the East Asian taurine to the South Asian indicine ancestries. We found that recently selected genes in Tibetan cattle were related to body size (HMGA2 and NCAPG) and energy expenditure (DUOXA2). We identified signals of sympatric introgression from yak into Tibetan cattle at different altitudes, covering 0.64%–3.26% of their genomes, which included introgressed genes responsible for hypoxia response (EGLN1), cold adaptation (LRP11), DNA damage repair (LATS1), and UV radiation resistance (GNPAT). We observed that introgressed yak alleles were associated with noncoding variants, including those in present EGLN1. In Tibetan cattle, three yak introgressed SNPs in the EGLN1 promoter region reduced the expression of EGLN1, suggesting that these genomic variants enhance hypoxia tolerance. Taken together, our results indicated complex adaptation processes in Tibetan cattle, where recently selected genes and introgressed yak alleles jointly facilitated rapid adaptation to high-altitude environments.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Moringa by comparing the effects of different gavage doses of Moringa. The general behavior, body weight, food intake, blood indexes, serum biochemical indexes, and histopathology of rats were used to determine the safety threshold and to provide a reference for the further development and use of Moringa as animal feed. 40 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and given transoral gavage for 28 consecutive days. The T1, T2 and T3 groups were observed for general behavior, body weight, and food intake. Blood and serum biochemical indices were quantified, and histopathology was performed to evaluate the effect and safety of Moringa. The results of the toxicological test showed that (1) Only T1 groups experienced diarrhea. (2) The body weight and food intake of rats in each group were normal compared with the control group. (3) The hematological and serum biochemical indices of rats in the T1 group were significantly different from those of CK but were in the normal range; (4) The results of microscopic examination of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of rats in each group were normal, but inflammation occurred in stomach and jejunum of rats in the T1 group, but not in the ileum. The gastrointestinal tract of rats in the T2 and T3 groups were normal. (5) No abnormal death occurred in any of the treatment groups.The results of this study revealed that gavage of Moringa homogenate at a dose of 6 g/kg BW can cause diarrhea in rats. Although there is no pathological effect on weight, food intake, blood and serum biochemical indicators in rats, there are pathological textures in the gastrointestinal tissue caused by diarrhea. Therefore, the safety threshold of Moringa homogenate should be ≤ 3 g/kg BW.

Cattle are sensitive to temperature fluctuations but adapt well to inclement weather conditions. When environmental temperatures exceed specific thresholds, heat stress becomes a critical concern for cattle. The TRPM2 gene, which resides on cattle chromosome 1 encodes a TRP channel protein, holding a unique capacity to sense temperature changes and facilitate rapid response to avoid heat stress. Here, we utilized the Bovine Genome Variation Database (BGVD) (http://animal.omics.pro/code/index.php/BosVar), and identified a missense mutation site, c.805A > G: p. Met269Val (rs527146862), within the TRPM2 gene. To elucidate the functional assessment of this mutation in temperature adaptation attributes of Chinese cattle, we genotyped 407 samples from 20 distinct breeds representing diverse climatic zones across China. The association analysis incorporates three temperature parameters and revealed compelling insights in terms of allele frequency. Interestingly, the prevalence of the wild-type allele A was notably higher among northern cattle breeds and this trend diminished gradually as observed in southern cattle populations. Conversely, the mutant-type allele G demonstrated a contrasting trend. Moreover, southern cattle exhibited markedly higher frequencies of GG and GA genotypes (P < 0.01). The presence of heterozygous and homozygous mutations appears to confer an enhanced capacity for adaptation to elevated temperatures. These results provide unequivocal correlation evidence between TRPM2 genotypes (AA, GA, GG) and environmental temperature parameters and comprehend the genetic mechanisms governing temperature adaptation in cattle. This provides valuable insights for strategic breed selection across diverse climatic regions, thereby aiding livestock production amid evolving climate challenges.

Context China has a vast area across many temperature zones and a variety of cattle breeds. These cattle resources are ideal models to research their adaptability to the environment. The KRT38 gene is an acidic protein, and its coding product can be used as a component of hair production. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of the KRT38 gene in Chinese local cattle and the association of different genotypes with mean temperature, relative humidity and temperature humidity index. Methods A missense mutation g.41650738 A > G in the KRT38 gene was screened from the database of bovine genomic variation (BGVD) and was genotyped in a total of 246 samples from 15 local cattle breeds in China by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing. Finally, the correlation between the locus and the three climatic factors was analysed. Key results We successfully obtained the frequency of this single-nucelotide polymorphism in three groups of cattle in northern, central and southern China. The frequency of allele A gradually declined from north to south, whereas the frequency of allele G showed the opposite trend with a clear geographic distribution. Conclusions Our results indicate that KRT38 variation in Chinese indigenous cattle might be linked to heat tolerance. Implications Our analysis may assist in determining the importance of the variation as a genetic signal for heat tolerance in cattle reproduction and genetics.

The experiment was to evaluate the associative effect of Moringa oleifera silage and other two kinds (Orchardgrass and Setaria sphacelate) of Yunnan common forage, to screen out the best combination ratio of three kinds of forage for roughage of beef cattle. A total of 15 kinds of Moringa oleifera silage, Orchardgrass and Setaria sphacelate were fermented in vitro by in vitro gas production method. GP, pH value, NH3-N content, DMD, NDFD, ADFD and CPD were determined at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 h for each combination. B, c, in vitro gas production Lag, SFAEI and MFAEI were calculated. The results showed that 48 h GP in the rumen was the highest at 25∶50∶25 for Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate. The in vitro rumen fermentation B value was the highest when the ratio of Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate was 75∶25, and the in vitro rumen fermentation c value was the highest when Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass was 50∶50. In vitro rumen Lag was the shortest when Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass was 50∶50, DMD was the highest when Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate was 25∶75 and Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate was 25∶25∶50. The levels of CPD, NDFD and ADFD of Setaria sphacelate were significantly higher than those of other combinations when the ratio was 75∶25. The experiment indicates that according to MFAEI evaluation, Moringa oleifera silage∶Setaria sphacelate of 25∶75 is the best forage combination, followed by Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate of 25∶75, among the three forage combinations, Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate of 25∶25∶50 is the best combination, followed by Moringa oleifera silage∶Orchardgrass∶Setaria sphacelate of 25∶50∶25.

Indicine cattle, also referred to as zebu (Bos taurus indicus), play a central role in pastoral communities across a wide range of agro-ecosystems, from extremely hot semiarid regions to hot humid tropical regions. However, their adaptive genetic changes following their dispersal into East Asia from the Indian subcontinent have remained poorly documented. Here, we characterize their global genetic diversity using high-quality whole-genome sequencing data from 354 indicine cattle of 57 breeds/populations, including major indicine phylogeographic groups worldwide. We reveal their probable migration into East Asia was along a coastal route rather than inland routes and we detected introgression from other bovine species. Genomic regions carrying morphology-, immune-, and heat-tolerance-related genes underwent divergent selection according to Asian agro-ecologies. We identify distinct sets of loci that contain promising candidate variants for adaptation to hot semi-arid and hot humid tropical ecosystems. Our results indicate that the rapid and successful adaptation of East Asian indicine cattle to hot humid environments was promoted by localized introgression from banteng and/or gaur. Our findings provide insights into the history and environmental adaptation of indicine cattle.

ABSTRACT Context China has a vast area across many temperature zones and a variety of cattle breeds. These cattle resources are ideal models to research their adaptability to the environment. The KRT38 gene is an acidic protein, and its coding product can be used as a component of hair production. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of the KRT38 gene in Chinese local cattle and the association of different genotypes with mean temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI). Methods A missense mutation g.41650738 A > G in the KRT38 gene was screened from the database of bovine genomic variation (BGVD), was genotyped in a total of 246 samples from 15 local cattle breeds in China by PCR amplification and sequencing. Finally, the correlation between the locus and the three climatic factors was analysed. Key results We successfully obtained the frequency of this SNP in three groups of cattle in northern, central and southern China. The frequency of allele A gradually declined from north to south, while the frequency of allele G showed the opposite trend with a clear geographic distribution. Conclusions Our results indicate that KRT38 variation in Chinese indigenous cattle might be linked to heat tolerance. Implications Our analysis may support in finding out its importance as a genetic signal for heat tolerance in cattle reproduction and genetics.

Type I keratin 9 encoded by the KRT9 gene serves an important special function either in the mature palmar and plantar skin tissue. The changes in skin conditions and thickening of the outer layer of the skin may be affected by environmental variables. A missense mutation rs209302038 (NC_037346.1: g.41782870 G > A) was detected in KRT9, which changing the isoleucine into valine. This study aimed to identify the frequency of allele in this locus in Chinese indigenous cattle, and analyze the connection with heat stress. Our results indicated that the frequency of allele A gradually decreases from south to north, while the frequency of G allele showed the opposite pattern. Further analysis of the association of the different genotypes with three climate factors, which showed that the genotypes (GG, GA, AA) were significantly related to climatic conditions (p < 0.01). Therefore, we speculated that the mutation of the rs209302038 in Chinese indigenous cattle might be a genetic marker to detect heat stress.

With increasing acreage of cash crops, the use of their by-products as supplements for livestock feed becomes an important factor. Marigold ( Tagetes erecta L.) account for more than half of the world’s loose flower production. However, there is no precedent for the abundantly available marigold crop residue (MCR) being used as feed in agricultural production, probably because of its strong pungent taste. This study aimed to evaluate the biotransformation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of MCR by mixed ensilage and assess its palatability by cattle. Caryophyllene, the most prevalent VOC in MCR, decreased by 29.11% ( P < 0.05), 38.85% ( P < 0.05), 37.15% ( P < 0.05), and 28.36% ( P < 0.05) ensilage with corn meal (CM), bran (BR), crop corn (CC), and straw (ST), respectively. The acetic acid content increased by 686.05% ( P < 0.05), 1337.21% ( P < 0.05), 1244.19% ( P < 0.05), and 1795.34% ( P < 0.05) after mixed ensilage with CM, BR, CC, and ST, respectively. The total amount of alcoholic VOCs followed an overall increasing trend during mixed storage and 10 new alcohols were obtained. Over seven days, feed intake of mixed ensilage MCR by cattle differed significantly ( P < 0.05) among treatments compared with MCR and was highest in MCRCM. Combined with palatability trials, the best MCR feed intake was achieved with MCRCM. The findings shed light on how feed odor can be improved and how degradation of terpenes can be enhanced in practical applications by mixed ensilage.

Adipogenesis is regarded as an intricate network in which multiple transcription factors and signal pathways are involved. Recently, big efforts have focused on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms and their involvement in the regulation of adipocyte development. Multiple studies investigating the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in adipogenesis have been reported so far, especially lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA. They regulate gene expression at multiple levels through interactions with proteins, DNA, and RNA. Exploring the mechanism of adipogenesis and developments in the field of non-coding RNA may provide a new insight to identify therapeutic targets for obesity and related diseases. Therefore, this article outlines the process of adipogenesis, and discusses updated roles and mechanisms of ncRNAs in the development of adipocytes.

辣木(Moringa oleifera Lam.)具有蛋白含量高,氨基酸种类丰富等特点,可作为一种速生的高蛋白非常规饲料.适量的辣木添加在家养动物日粮中,不仅具有食用安全性,且能改善家养动物生产性能、免疫功能,提高饲料转化率和动物产品品质,可见,辣木在家养动物饲料的开发具有较大潜力.本文主要从辣木的营养价值、多种功能及在家养动物产品生产中的应用进行了综述,并针对目前饲料化过程中存在的问题,提出了建议解决方法和今后的研究趋势,以期为辣木饲用资源开发及技术推广提供理论支撑.

Inclement weather conditions, especially cold stress, have threatened the cattle industry. Cattle exposed to cold environments for a longer time suffer developmental delay, immunity decline, and eventually death. WNK1 is a member of With-no-lysine kinases (WNKs), widely expressed in animal organs and tissues. WNK1 and WNK4 are expressed in adipose tissue, and WNK4 promotes adipogenesis. WNK1 does not directly affect adipogenesis but has been shown to promote WNK4 expression in several tissues or organs. One missense mutation NC_037346.1:g.107692244, A > G, rs208265410 in the WNK1 gene was detected from the database of bovine genomic variation (BGVD). Here, we collected 328 individuals of 17 breeds representing four groups of Chinese cattle, northern group cattle, southern group cattle, central group cattle, and special group cattle (Tibetan cattle). We also collected the temperature and humidity data records from their relative locations. The frequencies of the G allele in Chinese breeds increased from northern China to southern China, and the frequencies of the A allele showed an opposite trend. Our results indicate that the WNK1 gene might be a candidate gene marker associated with cold tolerance.

Yunling cattle (YL) is a recently developed beef breed harboring a quarter of Yunnan ancestral cattle genome, spanning over past 30 years. Compared with Diqing cattle (DQ), a Yunnan native cattle breed, YL presents various advantages, including rapid growth and exquisite meat quality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences are not clearly understood. To further identify the candidate genes responsible for the quality of the meat in the muscle, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was used for RNA-Seq analysis. A total of 508 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in YL (adjusted p-value <0.01 and log2FoldChange >1), of which 243 were up-regulated and 265 were down-regulated. Functional association analysis showed that the identified DEGs mainly enriched the lipid and fat metabolism pathways. Moreover, it was also observed that several fat-related genes were differentially expressed in both cattle breeds, including three up-regulated genes (MOGAT1, ACSM3, PLPP2) and two down-regulated genes (ADIG, GPAT3). In addition, alternative splice analysis was also performed revealing an important 9-11 exon skipping variation of GPAM gene (crucial for beef marbling) in YL, which is three times higher than that in DQ, suggesting that this variation might have played the central role in the 'snow beef' effect in YL. We believe that our results will help in understanding the mechanism of muscle development and promote the further breeding programs in YL cattle.

Heat stress affects the animal production and causes serious economic losses to the husbandry. Tectonin beta-propeller repeat containing 2 (TECPR2) gene plays an important role in autophagy which may affect the temperature sensation in animals. A missense mutation (XM_024981840.1:c.3989 G > A p.Arg1330His) of the transcripts X4 in the bovine TECPR2 gene was identified. In this study, the c.3989 G > A variant in TECPR2 gene was genotyped in a total of 25 cattle breeds (520 individuals). Our results indicated that the frequency of A allele showed a decreasing pattern from southern cattle to northern cattle, while the frequency of G allele showed the opposite pattern, which was consistent with the climate distribution of China. Compared with the GG genotype, southern cattle carried more the AA and AG genotypes. Furthermore, the association results carried out that the frequencies of genotypes (GG, AG, AA) and the value of climate parameters (mean annual temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Hence, we speculated that the c.3989 G > A variant of TECPR2 gene was associated with the heat tolerance trait in Chinese cattle and the locus may be considered as a molecular marker for Chinese cattle breeding.

The KRT77 gene is a type II epithelial cell α-keratin gene family member that plays a crucial role in animal epidermal and coat formation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the KRT77 gene and the adaptability of Chinese cattle in varying environments by exploring the distribution of an exon insertion of the KRT77 gene in different cattle populations. Our analysis involved amplifying and sequencing DNA samples from 362 individuals from 24 cattle breeds in China. Our findings reveal a gradual increase in the frequency of insertion from the northwest to the southeast population. We conducted an association analysis between the genotypes and climate data, revealing a correlation between the insertion and local annual mean temperature, relative humidity, and temperature humidity index. The study highlights the significance of the newly identified KRT77 gene insertion as a variation associated with environmental adaptation in Chinese cattle.This insertion variation increased insights into the genetic mechanisms that drive adaptation in Chinese cattle, emphasizing the importance of the 30-bp insertion in the KRT77 gene. Our findings facilitate further research to improve cattle breeding strategies for adaptability to changing environments from the northwest to the southeast population. In conclusion, this study provides value.