Transcriptome study underling difference of milk yield during peak lactation of Kazakh horse.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Milk yield in mares varies considerably during peak lactation, yet the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Researchers at this institution conducted a transcriptomic analysis comparing mammary tissue gene expression between high-yielding and low-yielding Kazakh horses during peak lactation, identifying 310 differentially expressed genes through RNA sequencing. Key regulatory pathways emerged as significant contributors to lactation performance: the AMPK signalling pathway (governing energy metabolism), FoxO signalling (involved in cellular stress responses and autophagy), ErbB signalling (growth factor regulation), and VEGF signalling (vascular development)—validation of five candidate genes via quantitative PCR confirmed the RNA-seq findings. For equine professionals involved in breeding, nutrition, or reproductive management, these insights into the molecular drivers of lactation efficiency potentially offer avenues for identifying high-yielding animals and tailoring nutritional or management interventions to support mammary gland function during the critical peak lactation period.

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Key Findings

• •310 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified between high-yield and low-yield milk groups during peak lactation in Kazakh horses
• •DEGs regulate lactation through AMPK, FoxO, ErbB, and VEGF signaling pathways
• •Quantitative PCR validation of 5 selected DEGs confirmed agreement with RNA-seq analysis results

Conditions Studied

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