Transcriptomic Analysis of Skin Tissue Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Thermal Adaptation in Cold-Exposed Lambs

This study examined the molecular mechanisms of cold adaptation in Hulunbuir and Hu lambs exposed to −20 °C, involving 20 shorn lambs, 10 from each breed. Both breeds activated pathways related to immune and endocrine systems, signal transduction, and development in response to cold. Hulunbuir lambs exhibited more pronounced physiological changes, such as greater wool growth and thicker epidermis, compared to Hu lambs. Key regulatory pathways identified include the TNF signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. The study highlights the complex interplay between temperature and breed in determining physiological and molecular responses to cold exposure, with potential implications for improving livestock resilience against climate changes.