Publications by authors named "R van Damme"
Article Synopsis
- Genomic structural variations, especially copy number variations (CNVs), are important for genetic diversity in cattle, yet they have been underexplored in indigenous Ethiopian breeds like Abigar, Fellata, and Gojjam-Highland.
- The study identified 3,893 CNV regions covering 19.15 Mb of the cattle genome, with notable differences among breeds, and validated a significant portion of these findings.
- The analysis revealed candidate genes related to adaptation to high altitudes, heat stress, and tick resistance, highlighting the unique genetic traits of these cattle and their potential implications for breeding and conservation.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates the genetics of Barka cattle, a breed known for its high milk production in challenging semi-arid environments, focusing on specific genes linked to milk traits.
- - Using genome-wide analysis and selective sweep detection methods, researchers identified several key genes consistently associated with milk production and composition.
- - The identified genes play important roles in processes like fatty acid metabolism and mammary gland development, suggesting potential for improving dairy cattle in tropical areas; further studies are needed for selective breeding applications.
Article Synopsis
- * A recent study sequenced DNA from 70 cattle across seven indigenous breeds, producing about 2 terabytes of data and achieving a 99.2% alignment rate with the cattle reference genome.
- * The research identified around 35 million high-quality SNPs, enhancing our understanding of cattle genetics, aiding in the discovery of beneficial mutations, and supporting sustainable cattle management amidst climate change challenges.
A phylogenetically diverse minority of snake and lizard species exhibit rostral and ocular appendages that substantially modify the shape of their heads. These cephalic horns have evolved multiple times in diverse squamate lineages, enabling comparative tests of hypotheses on the benefits and costs of these distinctive traits. Here, we demonstrate correlated evolution between the occurrence of horns and foraging mode.
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- Indigenous cattle breeds, like the Abigar, show traits such as disease resistance and heat tolerance due to their adaptation to harsh environments, making their genetic study important for sustainable farming.* -
- Whole-genome sequencing of the Abigar revealed high genetic diversity and low inbreeding, highlighting their robust population structure and unique adaptation capabilities.* -
- Researchers identified 83 key genes linked to traits like heat tolerance and immune response, providing a basis for future studies aimed at improving cattle resilience in the face of climate change.*