Genetic Diversity and Selective Signature in Dabieshan Cattle Revealed by Whole-Genome Resequencing.

Dabieshan cattle are a typical breed of southern Chinese cattle that have the characteristics of muscularity, excellent meat quality and tolerance to temperature and humidity. Based on 148 whole-genome data, our analysis disclosed the ancestry components of Dabieshan cattle with Chinese indicine (0.857) and East Asian taurine (0.139). The Dabieshan genome demonstrated a higher genomic diversity compared with the other eight populations, supported by the observed nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium decay and runs of homozygosity. The candidate genes were detected by a selective sweep, which might relate to the fertility ( GPX5 , GPX6 ), feed efficiency ( SLC2A5 ), immune response ( IGLL1 , BOLA-DQA2 , BOLA-DQB ), heat resistance ( DnaJC1 , DnaJC13 , HSPA4 ), fat deposition ( MLLT10 ) and the coat color ( ASIP ). We also identified the "East Asian taurine-like" segments in Dabieshan cattle, which might contribute to meat quality traits. The results revealed by the unique and valuable genomic data can build a foundation for the genetic improvement and conservation of genetic resources for indigenous cattle breeds.