Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 10-18 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 12 Figure 1 Main manifestations of poultry diseases Note: A: Specific manifestations of Avian influenza: the diseased chicken crown has necrosis and bleeding, sick chicken with sagging and coronal cyanosis, bleeding in the legs and toes after infection; B: specific manifestations of Malik's disease: sick chicken feet paralyzed, falling to the ground, extending one limb forward, the sick chicken shows a squatting posture, skin lesions with nodular hyperplasia; C: Specific manifestations of Infectious bronchitis: sick chickens open their mouths and stretch their necks to breathe, the kidney of the sick chicken is swollen, pale, and has a betel nut like pattern, sick chickens excrete yolk and egg white like substances 1.3 Genetic nature of poultry diseases The resistance or susceptibility of poultry to certain diseases is closely related to their genetic background. Recent studies have shown that the resistance of poultry to certain diseases can be significantly improved through genetic selection and breeding techniques. For example, by calibrating and selecting for genetic markers associated with disease resistance, it is possible to breed poultry breeds with higher resistance to diseases such as Marek's disease or avian influenza. This genetically based disease management strategy not only reduces the reliance on vaccines and drugs, but also improves the sustainability of poultry production. In conclusion, the management and control of poultry diseases is a complex process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects of pathogenesis, immunology and genetics. Through in-depth understanding of the genetic nature of poultry diseases and the application of modern genetic and breeding techniques, the resistance of poultry to diseases can be effectively improved, providing a solid scientific basis for ensuring the healthy development of the global poultry industry and food safety. 2 Foundations of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) 2.1 Principles and methods of GWAS Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is a widely used method in the field of genetics research that allows scientists to identify genetic variants associated with specific traits or diseases in the genomes of different individuals. This approach has played an important role in unraveling the genetic mechanisms behind disease resistance in poultry. The core principle of GWAS is based on statistics, which identifies genetic markers associated with disease by comparing genomic differences between individuals with a specific disease (case group) and healthy individuals (control group). This approach does not require prior assumptions about candidate genes and allows for genome-wide exploration (Tan and Zhao, 2023).
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