Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 45-53 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 49 Figure 2 Extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) decay surrounding the lead SNPs at QTL affecting body conformation and milk production (Fang and Pausch, 2019) Note: a: the lead SNPs of the QTL associated with body conformation; b: the lead SNPs of the QTL associated with milk production, where the ancestral alleles could be determined. The dashed line marks the location of the lead SNPs relative to which EHH scores were calculated. Blue and red lines indicate EHH decay of the ancestral and derived alleles, respectively 4.1 Livestock genetic improvement strategies Genetic improvement has always been a key component in the development of the livestock industry. Traditionally, genetic improvement in livestock relied on breeding selection and artificial insemination. However, these methods have certain limitations in efficiency and precision (Hagan et al., 2020). With the rapid advancement of genomics and biotechnology, GWAS has become one of the essential tools for livestock genetic improvement. GWAS allows for the screening of candidate genes closely associated with target traits. These genes can serve as breeding targets, helping to accelerate the breeding process. GWAS identifies key genes and genetic markers that affect target traits, thereby optimizing the genetic background of livestock. By breeding individuals with favorable genetic foundations, the genetic quality of the entire population can be gradually improved. Guided by GWAS, more precise selection targets can be established, leading to more efficient selective breeding. Using individuals with favorable genotypes as breeding subjects can effectively enhance the genetic level of the next generation, speeding up the selection of superior breeds. 4.2 Optimization of genetic background and selection targets In livestock genetic improvement, determining and optimizing selection targets is crucial. GWAS provides researchers with more accurate genetic background information and the identification of trait-related genes, thereby helping researchers better select and optimize breeding targets. Analyzing large-scale genomic data enables the identification of genes and genetic markers closely related to production traits, providing a scientific basis for selecting breeding targets. This allows for more effective targeted breeding, accelerating the improvement process of livestock production traits. GWAS facilitates comprehensive screening and assessment of the entire genome, discovering genetic markers and genes closely associated with target traits. During the breeding process, individuals with favorable genotypes can be selectively bred based on this information, thereby optimizing the population's genetic background. GWAS helps determine the specific scope and priority of selection targets. Establishing corresponding selection targets
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