Responses of Hair Follicle Gene Expression to Cold Season and Growth Promotion Technology in Angus and Brahman Cattle
June 2026
in “
Domestic Animal Endocrinology
”
TLDR Angus cattle grow faster and are more feed-efficient than Brahman, especially with growth-promoting systems, and gene expression changes with cold and treatments.
This study investigated the effects of winter conditions and production systems on hair follicle gene expression in Angus and Brahman cattle, focusing on genes related to stress, inflammation, cellular integrity, and coat color. Conducted over 180 days with 50 steers per group, the study found that Angus cattle had higher average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) than Brahman cattle, with the growth-promoting TRT system further enhancing FE. Gene expression analysis revealed breed-specific differences, with Angus showing higher Cxcr2 and lower Asip expression compared to Brahman. The TRT system upregulated Xcl1 and Asip while downregulating Cxcr2, aligning with the effects of anabolic steroids and other treatments. Seasonal patterns in gene expression were observed, peaking during colder months. This research highlights differential gene expression between breeds and production systems, providing a basis for future studies on cold stress adaptation in cattle.
