Research uncovers DNA variations that help goats survive rising heat

By Tosin Clegg

With the rise in global temperatures and the growing challenge of heat stress in livestock, an expert in animal genetics has provided fresh insights into how Nigerian goats may be adapting to heat stress at the genetic level.

John Odunayo Adebayo, a doctoral researcher at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, collaborated with colleagues from Nigeria and South Africa to study the Transmembrane Bax Inhibitor Motif-6 (TMBIM6) gene in Nigerian goat breeds. Their findings, published in the latest issue of Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, reveal critical genetic variations linked to heat tolerance.

The study focused on three indigenous goat breeds — Red Sokoto, Sahel, and West African Dwarf (WAD) — known for their adaptability to different ecological zones in Nigeria. By analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from exon 4 to intron 6 of the TMBIM6 gene, the researchers uncovered patterns of diversity that could play a role in resilience to environmental stress.

In total, 77 goats were sampled, with genomic DNA extracted and sequenced to identify SNPs. The results showed 15 genetic variations: eight in the Sahel breed, five in the WAD breed, and two in the Red Sokoto breed. These differences suggest a genetic basis for how each breed copes with heat stress across varying climates in the country.

One of the study’s key discoveries was that SNPs at exon 5 in Sahel goats and intron 6 in Red Sokoto goats showed the highest heterozygosity, a measure of genetic variation. In contrast, lower values were observed in WAD and Red Sokoto goats at other loci. These findings hint at potential evolutionary adaptations in specific goat populations.

“Genetic diversity is a foundation for resilience,” Adebayo said. “By identifying these variations in the TMBIM6 gene, we can begin to understand why some goat breeds perform better under stressful heat conditions than others. This is crucial as heat stress continues to affect livestock production systems.”

The study also revealed phylogenetic relationships, showing that WAD and Sahel goats are more closely related than previously assumed. This has implications for breeding strategies and conservation planning, as genetic resources can be optimized to enhance productivity while safeguarding indigenous traits.

According to Adebayo, the importance of this research goes beyond academic interest. “The ultimate goal is to provide farmers and breeders with the tools to select animals that can withstand rising temperatures without compromising productivity,” he explained. “This could mean the difference between profit and loss for smallholders who rely heavily on goats for their livelihood.”

The research was carried out with blood samples collected from institutions such as the National Animal Production Research Institute in Zaria and SELEMA Farms in Osun State. Using advanced molecular tools, the team designed primers, amplified target regions of the gene, and conducted detailed sequencing analysis.

TMBIM6, often referred to as a “cell survival” gene, regulates cellular response to stressors. Previous studies in India reported its role in distinguishing heat-tolerant and heat-susceptible goats, but this is the first comprehensive work on Nigerian breeds. The study therefore provides a baseline for future research on genetic adaptation in tropical livestock.

Beyond the scientific findings, Adebayo emphasized the practical applications. “Linking these SNPs directly to heat tolerance traits will take more work,” he noted, “but this is a step toward precision breeding in Nigerian goats, which could improve food security and sustainability in livestock farming.”

Experts say the research could also contribute to global discussions on climate-resilient agriculture. Indigenous goats, often undervalued, may hold genetic keys to future food production under unpredictable weather conditions.

As Adebayo put it, “Our breeds are more than just sources of meat and milk; they are living genetic resources shaped by centuries of adaptation. Understanding and preserving their diversity is an investment in the future of agriculture.”