The Baladi cattle are a genetic sieve for indicine and African-taurine genomic loci with positive effects on adaptation to harsh Mediterranean environments

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean indigenous Baladi cattle is known for its exceptional adaptability to harsh environment, making it a prime candidate for sustainable grazing systems amid global climate change. This study investigates the ancestors of the Baladi genome, genomic regions under selection, and adaptation mechanisms of Baladi cattle. RESULTS: A unique balanced global admixture of taurine and indicine genomes was found, composed of indicine, European taurine and African taurine ancestors. A total of 103 chromosomal regions with significant local deviation were found, taken as selection signatures. A clear tendency of selection for the indicine and African taurine ancestors at the expense of European taurine was observed. Bioinformatics analysis of the selection signature regions revealed genes candidates by location and function to affect Baladi adaptive selection. CONCLUSIONS: The Baladi genome is a unique rich mosaic of three domesticated bovine sub-specie lineages. Thus, the Baladi cattle is a mixture already sieved for adaptation to the harsh Mediterranean climate. These findings emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve the genetic diversity and adaptive traits of this valuable, endangered breed.