Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 119-129 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 121 However, the success of MAS depends on several factors, including the genetic architecture of the trait, the accuracy of QTL detection, and the genetic background of the breeding population. Empirical applications have shown that MAS can be highly effective for simply inherited traits, such as disease resistance, but may face limitations for more complex traits like yield and stress tolerance (Feng et al., 2020; Tiwari et al., 2022). Despite these challenges, the integration of MAS with other breeding techniques continues to offer promising opportunities for enhancing livestock productivity and genetic diversity (Osei et al., 2018; Boopathi, 2020). 2 Impact of MAS on Livestock Productivity 2.1 Introduction to productivity impacts Improving productivity in commercial livestock operations is crucial for meeting the growing global demand for animal products. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) offers a promising approach to enhance productivity by enabling the selection of animals with superior genetic traits. This method leverages molecular markers linked to desirable traits, allowing for more precise and accelerated breeding compared to traditional methods. By improving traits such as growth rate, feed efficiency, and disease resistance, MAS can significantly boost the overall productivity of livestock operations, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable industry (Eze, 2019; Raina et al., 2020). 2.2 Advances in specific traits MAS has been successfully applied to enhance various productivity traits across different livestock species. For instance, in fish, MAS has been used to improve economically important traits such as body growth, disease resistance, and meat quality, leading to faster and more accurate selection of superior breeding individuals (Eze, 2019). In dairy cattle, MAS has been employed to improve bull fertility, a critical trait for farm economics, by identifying genetic markers associated with successful conception rates and seminal parameters (Raina et al., 2020). These advancements demonstrate the potential of MAS to address specific productivity challenges in diverse livestock species, thereby enhancing overall performance and efficiency. 2.3 Technological contributions The role of advanced genetic technologies in facilitating MAS cannot be overstated. The advent of genome-wide data and high-throughput genotyping platforms has significantly increased the number of markers identified and the accuracy of selection. For example, the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers has enabled more precise identification of genetic variations associated with desirable traits, thereby improving the reliability of MAS in breeding programs (Figure 1) (Shepelev et al., 2023). Additionally, the integration of phenotyping and genotyping in early generations has been shown to reduce the number of genotypes needed to be carried forward, resulting in significant cost and time savings (Kumar et al., 2018). These technological advancements have revolutionized the MAS process, making it a more efficient and effective tool for improving livestock productivity. Figure 1 identifies genes near significant SNPs in Lori-Bakhtiari sheep using the BioMart tool. Five genes were found: PKP2 on chromosome 3, ENSOARG00000017510on chromosome 7, andIGF2R, SLC22A1, andSLC22A2 on chromosome 8, with no genes near the SNP on chromosome 4. The study shows these gene locations. Although no QTLs for blood serum proteins were found near the SNPs, QTLs for immunoglobulins were identified. These findings can inform genomic selection strategies to enhance desirable traits in sheep. 3 Impact of MAS on Genetic Diversity 3.1 Introduction to genetic diversity Genetic diversity is crucial for the health and sustainability of livestock populations. It provides the necessary variability for populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions and resist diseases, thereby ensuring long-term viability and productivity. High genetic diversity within a population enhances its ability to survive and thrive under various stressors, such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and fluctuating market demands (Makanjuola et al., 2020). Without sufficient genetic diversity, livestock populations may face increased risks of inbreeding, which can lead to reduced fitness, lower productivity, and higher susceptibility to diseases (Raina et al., 2020).
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