Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Genetic Diversity and Growth Trait-Related Genes in Pinan Cattle

The breeding of high-quality beef cattle breeds is crucial for the development of animal husbandry, and whole-genome resequencing is widely applicated in the field of molecular breeding. Advantages in growth and reproductive traits exist in Pinan cattle compared with other cattle breeds, but there is limited research on its genomic mechanism. Using whole-genome resequencing, the genetic structure and genomic selection signatures in Pinan cattle were investigated in this study. Phylogenetic, cluster, and admixture analysis results indicated that Pinan cattle have a closer genetic relationship with Kholmogory cattle and China north cattle breeds. Through a selective sweep strategy, 207 and 54 candidate genes related to growth and reproduction and immunity, respectively, were identified in the Pinan cattle population. Given the crucial role of the glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) gene in muscle antioxidative defense, the high frequency of allele T of the GCLC c.429 C>T locus in the Pinan cattle population might partially contribute to the advantages of Pinan cattle in growth performance. This study laid the foundation for the genetic improvement in Chinese local beef cattle and provide background for the studies on the growth and development of Pinan cattle.