In a controlled study, researchers observed that lambs exposed to colder temperatures had increased wool growth, thicker skin, altered physiological traits, and activated specific molecular pathways, highlighting potential targets for enhancing cold tolerance, welfare, and productivity in sheep breeds.
26 citations
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February 2020 in “Frontiers in genetics” This study identified three candidate genes (CORT, FGF5, and CD36) associated with cold climate adaptation in Yanbian cattle through genome resequencing and comparison with African tropical cattle.
June 2026 in “Domestic Animal Endocrinology” This study found that hair follicle gene expression varies between Angus and Brahman cattle and responds to growth-promoting treatments, which may reflect breed differences in adaptability to cold stress.
The researchers reported that PPARβ/δ may influence the yak hair follicle cycle by modulating lipid metabolism in dermal papilla cells, with varying expression during different hair growth phases, affecting both lipid content and cell proliferation.
6 citations
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August 2023 in “BMC genomics” This study found that Tibetan cashmere goats have genetic adaptations that contribute to their finer cashmere, possibly enhancing their ability to withstand the cold climate of the Tibetan plateau, while identifying specific genes related to hair growth, pigmentation, and heart development.