Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 119-129 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 127 6.2 Challenges and limitations Despite the promising outcomes, several challenges and limitations hinder the widespread adoption of MAS in livestock breeding. One major limitation is the high cost associated with genomic technologies and the implementation of ARTs, which can be prohibitive for many breeders (Daly et al., 2020). Additionally, the variability in the ability of embryo transfer recipients to maintain pregnancy poses a significant constraint to the efficiency of ARTs (Daly et al., 2020). Another challenge is the potential loss of genetic diversity due to intense selection pressures, which can lead to increased rates of inbreeding and coancestry, as observed in Holstein and Jersey cattle populations (Makanjuola et al., 2020). Furthermore, the complexity of quantitative traits, which are controlled by multiple genes with small effects, limits the effectiveness of MAS in improving these traits (Budhlakoti et al., 2022). 6.3 Potential biases and research gaps Several potential biases and research gaps need to be addressed to optimize the use of MAS in livestock breeding. One potential bias is the reliance on pedigree data for estimating genetic diversity parameters, which may not be as accurate as genomic data (Eusebi et al., 2019). There is also a need for more comprehensive studies on the long-term impacts of genomic selection on genetic diversity and inbreeding rates (Makanjuola et al., 2020). Additionally, further research is required to develop cost-effective and efficient methods for the selection and management of recipient animals in ARTs (Daly et al., 2020). Another research gap is the limited understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits under different environmental conditions, which is crucial for the development of stress-resilient livestock breeds (Budhlakoti et al., 2022). Addressing these biases and gaps will be essential for the successful implementation of MAS in livestock breeding programs. 7 Concluding Remarks Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing livestock productivity and genetic diversity. The application of MAS has led to improved accuracy and efficiency in breeding programs by enabling the selection of desirable traits at the molecular level. For instance, MAS has been shown to significantly affect forage productivity in alfalfa under drought-stressed environments, indicating its potential to improve crop resilience and yield in challenging conditions. Additionally, MAS has been instrumental in identifying and developing markers for traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crops, which can be extrapolated to livestock breeding. The integration of MAS with genomic selection and other advanced breeding techniques has further accelerated genetic gains and improved the precision of breeding programs. For breeders, it is recommended to incorporate MAS into their breeding programs to enhance the selection process's efficiency and accuracy. Utilizing MAS can significantly reduce the time required to develop new varieties with desirable traits, thereby increasing productivity and genetic diversity. Researchers should focus on identifying and validating new molecular markers associated with economically important traits to expand the MAS toolkit. Policymakers should support the adoption of MAS by providing funding for research and development and creating policies that encourage the use of advanced breeding technologies. Additionally, there should be an emphasis on training and capacity-building programs to equip breeders and researchers with the necessary skills to implement MAS effectively. Future research should focus on the following areas to enhance the understanding and application of MAS in livestock breeding: Continued efforts are needed to identify and validate new molecular markers associated with traits of economic importance, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and productivity. Research should explore the integration of MAS with genomic selection and other advanced breeding techniques to maximize genetic gains and improve breeding efficiency. Developing high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping methods will enable the rapid and accurate assessment of large populations, facilitating the implementation of MAS on a broader scale. Investigating the applicability of MAS techniques developed for plants in livestock breeding could provide valuable insights and accelerate the adoption of MAS in animal breeding programs. Developing cost-effective MAS approaches, such as the HRMA-based method for genotyping, will make the technology more accessible to breeders, especially in developing regions.
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