Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 119-129 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 119 Research Review Open Access Analyzing the Impact of Marker-Assisted Selection on Livestock Productivity and Genetic Diversity JiongLi 1, Xiaofang Lin2 1 Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology , Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Tropical Animal Medical Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: Xiaofanglin@hitar.org Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0014 Received: 07 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 18 Feb., 2024 Published: 28 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li and Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li J., and Lin X.F., 2024, Analyzing the impact of marker-assisted selection on livestock productivity and genetic diversity, Animal Molecular Breeding, 14(1): 119-129 (doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0014) Abstract Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has emerged as a pivotal tool in enhancing livestock productivity and maintaining genetic diversity. This study analyzes the impact of MAS on livestock by integrating molecular markers with traditional breeding methods. This study highlights the efficiency of MAS in improving quantitative traits, disease resistance, and overall genetic diversity in livestock populations. The integration of genomic selection (GS) with MAS has further revolutionized animal breeding by enabling the identification and selection of superior traits with higher precision. Despite the challenges associated with complex traits and the need for large reference populations, MAS has shown significant promise in accelerating genetic gains and improving livestock productivity. Future directions include the adoption of high-throughput genotyping technologies and the development of more robust selection indices to enhance the efficiency of MAS in livestock breeding programs. Keywords Marker-assisted selection; Livestock productivity; Genetic diversity; Genomic selection; Quantitative traits Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the field of livestock breeding, significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of selecting desirable traits. Initially developed for plant breeding, MAS leverages molecular markers linked to specific genetic traits, allowing breeders to identify and select individuals with favorable genetic profiles more accurately and rapidly than traditional methods (Boopathi, 2020; Kumawat et al., 2020; Hasan et al., 2021). This technique has been adapted and refined for use in livestock, where it holds the potential to transform breeding programs by improving productivity and maintaining genetic diversity. The evolution of MAS in livestock breeding has been marked by significant advancements in molecular genetics and genomics. Early applications focused on identifying markers associated with economically important traits such as disease resistance, growth rate, and reproductive performance (Raina et al., 2020; Shepelev et al., 2023). With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the scope of MAS has expanded, enabling the identification of a broader range of genetic markers and their integration into breeding programs (Degen and Müller, 2023; Song et al., 2023). This evolution has not only accelerated the breeding process but also increased the accuracy of selection, leading to more robust and productive livestock populations. The dual significance of MAS lies in its ability to enhance livestock productivity while also impacting genetic diversity. On one hand, MAS can significantly improve traits such as milk yield, meat quality, and disease resistance, thereby boosting overall productivity and economic returns for farmers (Singh et al., 2022; Shepelev et al., 2023). On the other hand, the focus on specific genetic markers can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity if not managed carefully. This potential impact on genetic diversity is a critical consideration, as it can affect the long-term sustainability and resilience of livestock populations (Degen and Müller, 2023). The primary goals of this study are to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on MAS and to analyze its effects on livestock productivity and genetic diversity. Through a detailed examination of both literature reviews and case studies, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and
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