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Genetic diversity, admixture, and selection signatures in a Rarámuri Criollo cattle population introduced to the southwestern United States

Published Article

New Mexico

Publication date: May 13, 2025

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Rarámuri Criollo (RC) cattle, traditionally raised for centuries by Tarahumara communities in Chihuahua, Mexico, were introduced to the USDA‑ARS Jornada Experimental Range to evaluate their suitability for arid U.S. beef systems. Using a ~64K SNP array, this study assessed genetic diversity, population structure, ancestry and selection signatures in the RCJER herd. Results show moderate diversity, low stratification and a shared genetic background across subfamilies. Admixture analysis revealed a distinctive Criollo genetic pool with substantial Iberian ancestry. Selection signatures highlighted genes and QTL linked to milk composition, growth, carcass traits, reproduction, metabolic homeostasis, health and coat color. The RCJER herd represents a valuable genetic resource well adapted to harsh desert conditions, supporting long‑term conservation and strategic expansion into climate‑resilient beef production systems.

Subject Tags

  • Desert
  • Life Sciences
  • Wildlife

Abstract

Rarámuri Criollo (RC) cattle have been raised by the isolated Tarahumara communities of Chihuahua, Mexico, for nearly 500 years, mostly under natural selection and minimal management. RC cattle were introduced to the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Jornada Experimental Range (RCJER) in 2005 to begin evaluations of beef production performance and their adaptation to the harsh ecological and climatic conditions of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert. While this research unveiled crucial information on their phenotypic plasticity and adaptation, the genetic diversity and structure of the RCJER population remains poorly understood. This study analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, ancestral composition, and selection signatures of the RCJER herd using a ~64 K SNP array. The RCJER herd exhibits moderate genetic diversity and low population stratification with no evident clustering, suggesting a shared genetic background among different subfamilies. Admixture analysis revealed the RCJER herd represents a distinctive genetic pool within the Criollo cattle breeds, with significant Iberian ancestry. Selection signatures identified candidate genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits associated with milk composition, growth, meat and carcass, reproduction, metabolic homeostasis, health and coat color. The RCJER population represents a distinctive genetic resource adapted to harsh environmental conditions while maintaining productive and reproductive attributes. These findings are crucial to ensuring the long-term genetic conservation of the RCJER and their strategic expansion into locally adapted beef production systems in the USA.

Citation

Spetter, M. J., Utsumi, S. A., Armstrong, E. M., Rodríguez Almeida, F. A., Ross, P. J., Macon, L., ... & Estell, R. E. (2025). Genetic diversity, admixture, and selection signatures in a Raramuri Criollo cattle population introduced to the southwestern United States. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4649. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104649

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