Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 45-53 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 45 Research Article Open Access Whole-Genome Association Analysis in Revealing the Application of Genetic Factors Affecting Livestock Production Traits Siping Zhang Tropical Animal Medicine Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572024, Hainan, China Corresponding author email: 2495757304@qq.com Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0006 Received: 20 Nov., 2023 Accepted: 02 Jan., 2024 Published: 26 Jan., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang 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: Zhang S.P., and Lin X.F., 2024, Whole-genome association analysis in revealing the application of genetic factors affecting livestock production traits, Animal Molecular Breeding, 14(1): 45-53 (doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0006) Abstract This study reviews the application of whole-genome association analysis in revealing genetic factors affecting livestock production traits. With the continuous development of biotechnology and genomics, whole-genome association analysis has gradually received attention as a powerful genetic research tool. This method detects associations between a large number of genetic markers and traits of interest, revealing the genetic basis of livestock production traits and providing a scientific basis for breeding and genetic improvement. This study first introduces the definition and classification of livestock production traits, as well as their genetic background and influencing factors. Next, an overview of the principles and methods of whole-genome association analysis is provided, along with a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of traditional genetic research methods and whole-genome association analysis. Subsequently, through typical case analysis, the application and technological progress of whole-genome association analysis in the study of livestock production traits are elaborated in detail. Further discussion includes key genes and genetic markers identified through this method, as well as their practical applications in livestock genetic improvement. Finally, the importance of whole-genome association analysis in deciphering the genetic basis of livestock production traits is summarized, and the potential application value of it in the sustainable development of animal husbandry is discussed. Keywords Whole-genome association analysis; Livestock production traits; Genetic factors; Breeding; Genetic improvement Production traits in livestock have significant implications for the economic efficiency and sustainable development of the agriculture industry (Ridha, 2023). Traits such as the fertility of female animals, meat quality and growth rate of beef cattle, and the milk yield and quality of dairy cows are focal points in livestock production. However, the expression of these traits is influenced by various factors, including environmental and genetic factors (Berghof et al., 2019). The study of genetic factors is particularly crucial because genetics is one of the primary sources of trait variation. Understanding genetic factors can help researchers better comprehend the mechanisms behind trait formation and provide more accurate guidance for breeding selection. Optimizing and improving livestock production traits has always been a significant issue in the agriculture industry. Over the past few decades, with the rapid development of biotechnology and genomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have gradually attracted widespread attention as a powerful tool for genetic research (Xu et al., 2020). GWAS, by detecting associations between a large number of genetic markers and traits of interest, can help reveal the genetic basis of livestock production traits and provide a scientific basis for breeding and genetic improvement. The research objective of this study is to explore the application of GWAS in revealing the genetic factors affecting livestock production traits. By reviewing the latest progress and application cases of GWAS in the study of livestock production traits, this study aims to deepen the understanding of the role of GWAS in analyzing the genetic basis of livestock production traits and discuss its potential application value in breeding and genetic improvement. This study hopes to provide theoretical support and scientific guidance for the sustainable development of the agriculture industry and offer references for further development in related research fields.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==