Nigerian cattle reveal unique genetic adaptations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Expert says

In line with ongoing efforts to understand the genetic resilience of African livestock, Dr Adeniyi Charles Adeola, an associate professor at the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has shed new light on the unique adaptations of Nigerian cattle to the challenging sub-Saharan environment.

His research, published in BMC Genomics, explores the population structure and selection signatures of Nigerian cattle, revealing crucial genetic traits that contribute to their survival in harsh climatic conditions.

In a paper presented during an international genomics conference, Dr Adeola explained that the study leveraged genome-wide analysis through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to assess the genetic diversity of 193 Nigerian cattle.

“Our findings not only highlight the uniqueness of Nigerian cattle compared to other African breeds, but they also show evidence of convergent adaptation between cattle, dogs, and humans in Africa,” he stated.

According to Dr Adeola, the research identified genetic regions associated with key survival traits such as immune responses, heat tolerance, growth efficiency, and reproductive success.

“These traits are critical for livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, where cattle face extreme temperatures, diseases, and nutritional limitations,” he noted.

The study, conducted in collaboration with a team of international scientists, also compared GBS with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The high correlation between the two methods confirmed the effectiveness of GBS in large-scale population genetics research.

“This approach allows us to analyse genetic variations in indigenous cattle efficiently and cost-effectively, making it a powerful tool for future studies,” Dr Adeola emphasised.

One of the most intriguing discoveries of the research is the evidence of parallel adaptation between African cattle, dogs, and humans.

The study identified adaptive genes, such as SPRY2 and ITGB1BP1, which are involved in physiological processes shared by multiple species.

“This suggests that environmental pressures have shaped similar survival mechanisms across different organisms in Africa, which is a fascinating example of convergent evolution,” Dr Adeola explained.

Beyond scientific curiosity, these findings have profound implications for cattle breeding and livestock management in Nigeria and other tropical environments. Dr Adeola stressed that preserving the genetic diversity of indigenous cattle is vital for food security, disease resistance, and climate adaptation.

“Selective breeding programmes can harness these naturally occurring genetic advantages to improve livestock productivity without relying on excessive interventions,” he said.

The research also challenges previous assumptions about the ancestry of Nigerian cattle.

While many African breeds are known to be a mix of taurine and zebu genetics, Dr Adeola’s findings suggest that Nigerian cattle have retained a unique genetic identity distinct from other African populations.

“This reinforces the importance of further studies to trace the historical migration patterns of cattle in West Africa,” he remarked.

With the increasing threats of climate change, drought, and emerging livestock diseases, Dr Adeola believes that genomic research will play a crucial role in developing resilient breeds.

“We need to prioritise genetic conservation and strategic breeding to ensure the sustainability of cattle farming in Africa,” he urged.

Dr Adeola’s pioneering work aligns with broader global efforts to enhance livestock genetics for sustainable agriculture. His expertise in animal genomics has earned him several prestigious research grants and awards, including recognition from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

His research team is currently expanding their studies to explore the genetic basis of disease resistance in Nigerian cattle, with a focus on developing CRISPR-based molecular assays for early disease detection.

“By integrating genomics and biotechnology, we can create innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in animal agriculture,” he added.

Dr Adeola also advocates for stronger collaboration between African and international research institutions. Through partnerships with universities and government agencies, he hopes to establish genomic databases that will guide evidence-based policies on livestock management.

“Data-driven decision-making is the future of agriculture, and Africa must invest in genetic research to stay ahead,” he advised.

As the world grapples with food security challenges, Dr Adeola’s research provides a roadmap for leveraging indigenous genetic resources to build a more resilient livestock sector.

“The answers to many of our agricultural challenges lie within the genetic code of our local breeds. It is time to unlock their full potential,” he concluded.