Analysis of genetic data from African and European cattle

Cattle provide food and income worldwide, but climate change, disease, and shortages of feed and water create growing challenges. This research compared the DNA of commercial and local cattle breeds from Africa and Europe. Local breeds are often overlooked in genetic research, despite their importance for farming in challenging environments. The findings revealed differences in ancestry and highlighted DNA regions that may influence how cattle cope with environmental stress, fight disease, and produce milk or meat. The research also examined differences in gene expression and developed BovCADD, a tool that helps researchers identify potentially deleterious DNA changes for further study. Together, these findings and tools can support the conservation of local cattle breeds and guide future breeding research. Preserving their genetic diversity may help maintain cattle populations suited to different environments and farming needs.