Genome-Wide Scans for Selection Signatures in Ningxia Angus Cattle Reveal Genetic Variants Associated with Economic and Adaptive Traits

The genetic improvement of beef cattle breeds is crucial for the advancement of the beef cattle industry. Whole-genome resequencing technology has been widely applied in genetic breeding as well as research on selection signatures in beef cattle. In this study, 20× whole-genome resequencing was performed on 282 Angus cattle from the Ningxia region, and a high-quality dataset encompassing extensive genomic variations across the entire genome was constructed. The iHS test identified 495 selection signal regions, which included pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (<i>PAG</i>) family genes and immune-related genes such as UL16-binding protein 21 (<i>ULBP21</i>), CD1b molecule (<i>CD1B</i>), and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 (<i>TNFSF11</i>). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) enrichment analysis revealed that several economic traits, including longissimus muscle area, marbling score, carcass weight, average daily gain, and milk yield, were significantly enriched in cattle with these selection signatures. Although the enrichment of QTLs for health traits was low, immune-related genes may indirectly contribute to improvements in production performance. These findings show the genetic basis of economic and adaptive traits in Ningxia Angus cattle, providing a theoretical foundation and guidance for further genetic improvement and breeding strategies.