MAP3K1 Gene Polymorphism and Resistance to Tropical Theileriosis in White Fulani and Red Bororo Cattle in Kano State, Nigeria

Tropical theileriosis is a major tick-borne disease constraining cattle productivity across tropical and subtropical regions. The disease, caused mainly by Theileria annulata and transmitted by Hyalomma ticks, causes severe economic losses through mortality, reduced milk yield, poor growth performance, reproductive inefficiency, and increased veterinary costs. Host genetic factors have recently gained attention as important determinants of resistance or susceptibility to tropical theileriosis. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is an important immune-response gene involved in inflammatory signaling pathways and cellular defense mechanisms against intracellular pathogens. This study investigated MAP3K1 gene polymorphisms in White Fulani and Red Bororo cattle breeds in Kano State, Nigeria, and assessed their association with resistance to tropical theileriosis using molecular genetic approaches and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). A total of 120 cattle comprising 60 White Fulani and 60 Red Bororo were sampled. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using PCR, followed by sequencing for SNP identification. Detection of T. annulata was carried out using microscopy and PCR assays. Population genetic indices including heterozygosity, polymorphic information content, fixation index, and AMOVA were estimated using GenAlEx and Arlequin software. Three major SNP loci were identified within the MAP3K1 gene region. White Fulani cattle exhibited higher frequencies of resistance-associated alleles and lower disease prevalence compared to Red Bororo cattle. AMOVA revealed that 18% of total genetic variation occurred among breeds while 82% existed within populations. Significant associations were observed between MAP3K1 genotypes and resistance to tropical theileriosis. The study demonstrates the potential usefulness of MAP3K1 as a candidate marker for genetic improvement against tick-borne diseases in indigenous Nigerian cattle.