DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.186978.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Global Research Trends in the Genetics and Genomics Related to Heat Tolerance in Cattle: A Bibliometric and Science Mapping Analysis (2005 – 2025)

Husnul Qhatimah, Muhammad Ridwan, Ummul Khasanah, Christina Mariantje Natal
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Background Heat stress is one of the challenges that limit productivity, health, and the sustainability of cattle production systems in various regions of the world. Genetics- and genomics-based approaches were gaining increasing attention as long-term strategies for improving heat tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate global developments, patterns of scientific collaboration, intellectual structures, and current research trends related to the genetics and genomics of heat tolerance in cattle using a bibliometric approach. Methods A total of 859 English-language research articles published between 2005 and 2025 and indexed in the Scopus database were analyzed in this study. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Bibliometrix, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer. Results The results showed an increasing number of publications over the past two decades, reflecting growing attention to the development of livestock that are adaptive to climate change. A total of 3785 authors were involved in the analyzed publications, with an international collaboration rate of 31.78%. China and the United States are the countries with the highest number of publications. Keyword analysis identified an imbalance in research focus between dairy cattle and beef cattle. Several candidate genes have also been identified, such as PRLR, HSP70, HSP90, and ATP1A1. Historically, the research focus has evolved from evaluating physiological responses and oxidative stress to a more comprehensive genomic approach in heat tolerance. These findings indicate a paradigm shift in research toward the use of high-precision molecular technologies to support cattle breeding programs that produce animals more resistant to heat stress. Conclusions Future research should increase the involvement of tropical countries and integrate local cattle genetic resources into genomic selection programs, which are critical steps to accelerate the development of livestock adapted to global climate change.

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