The regulatory relationships between robust potential target genes of bta-miR-223 and QTLs for SCC/SCS and clinical mastitis traits are illustrated in Fig. 8A. Notably, the expression levels of key genes (PTPRF, DCTN1, PLEC, MYOF, and DPP9) in the control (CKD, COE), KD, and OE groups showed significant changes, underscoring their potential roles in regulating SCC/SCS and clinical mastitis (Fig. 8B). Here, PLEC is linked to mastitis.