1Physiology and Climate Department, Indian Vetenary Research Institute, Ijjatnagar-243122, Bareli, U.P.
Animal Genetics Deptt., Indian Vetenary Research Institute, Ijjatnagar-243122, Bareli, U.P.
Online published on 23 December, 2015.
The objective of our study was to provide a review of genetic factors influencing the heat tolerance in cattle. Heat tolerance plays a predominant role in adaptation of cattle in hot climate. As compared to temperate cattle breeds (Bos taurus), zebu cattle breeds (Bos indicus) including Indian breeds can better withstand high temperatures. HSP gene family, ATP1A1 gene, slick gene are important genes involved in genetic tolerance to heat. Heat stress leads to increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) coupled with decreased expression and synthesis of other proteins, and HSP induced activation of immune system. The central role that HSP in coordinating thermal tolerance suggests that there is opportunity to improve thermal tolerance via gene manipulation. Determining the basis of heat tolerance, especially of the Bos indicus including Indian zebu cattle breeds will lead to opportunities for optimum utilization via altered breeding and management of these magnificent genetic resources.
