Genetic Resources and Ecological Adaptation of Goat and Sheep Breeds in Funiu Mountain Area, China

Kai Quan^1*Qiufang Cui¹Li Jun¹Huibin Shi¹Kun Liu¹Wang Huihua²Meilin Jin²Wei Sun³Caihong Wei²Yibao jiang⁴Haoyuan Han^1*

• ¹College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
• ²Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
• ³Yangzhou University College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou, China
• ⁴Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China

Mountain agroecosystems, such as the Funiu Mountain region in China, host unique livestock genetic resources shaped by vertical climatic gradients and human activities. This study investigates six indigenous sheep and goat breeds using a multidisciplinary approach that combines genomic, ecological, and socioeconomic analyses. Mitochondrial D-loop sequencing (n = 345) revealed stark genetic diversity contrasts: the Huai Goat and Small-Tailed Han Sheep exhibited high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.975), while the Funiu White Goat showed critically reduced diversity (Hd = 0.456), linked to historical bottlenecks. Genomic analyses identified climate-driven selection signatures, including UCP1 (Uncoupling Protein 1, thermogenesis) and TRPM8 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 8, frostbite resistance), underpinning cold adaptation. Blood profiling highlighted metabolic adaptations, such as elevated cholesterol in high-altitude Henan Fat-Tailed Sheep (4.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L). Socioeconomic surveys emphasized habitat loss (25% since 2000) and allele erosion (GPI-1B decline from 0.45 to 0.15) as critical threats. We propose the Environment-Genetic-Economy (EGE) framework, synergizing marker-assisted breeding, blockchain-certified traceability, and carbon-neutral agroforestry. Pilot trials increased farmer incomes by 30%, validating socioeconomic viability. This study represents a novel approach that combines genomic insights with practical conservation strategies, providing a blueprint for safeguarding genetic resources in mountain ecosystems worldwide that face similar challenges.