Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 86-94 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 87 The main objective of this study is to review and summarize recent advancements in research on the genetic basis of sheep flocking behavior revealed through genome-wide association studies. By reviewing GWAS application cases in this field, the scientific significance and practical value of its findings are assessed. We hope that through this study, we can not only emphasize the unique contributions of GWAS in analyzing the genetic basis of sheep flocking behavior but also encourage further attention and investment in this field from both the academic and industrial communities. By synthesizing existing research findings, this study aims to provide scientific bases and new ideas for future genetic research, breeding practices, and the sustainable development of agricultural production. 1 The Genetic Basis of Flocking Behavior in Sheep 1.1 The role of genetic variation Flocking behavior in sheep is one of the key characteristics essential for their survival and reproduction. This behavior not only helps protect sheep from predators but also enhances their efficiency in foraging and reproduction. Genetic variation plays a crucial role in the development of flocking behavior. Recent studies in behavioral genetics have shown that different genetic variations can significantly influence sheep's social interaction patterns, such as leadership, following behavior, and the distribution of social status within the group. Research has found that certain specific gene variants are associated with stronger social connectivity and a tendency to flock in sheep. The identification of these genetic markers provides a new perspective on understanding the biological basis of sheep's flocking behavior. However, the expression of flocking behavior in sheep is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors such as resource availability, group size, and external threats, which also play a significant role in their behavioral expression (Ozella et al., 2020). The complex interactions between genetic variations and environmental factors determine sheep's behavioral responses in different contexts, highlighting a major challenge in behavioral genetics—how to precisely distinguish and quantify the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to behavioral phenotypes. 1.2 Genetic regulation of flocking behavior The genetic regulation of flocking behavior is a complex polygenic process, involving interactions among multiple genes and genomic regions. Scientists have identified several key genes and genomic regions that play significant roles in regulating flocking behavior in sheep. For example, certain gene variants may affect sheep's stress responses, social cognition abilities, or motor coordination, thereby indirectly influencing their flocking behavior. Wang et al. (2019) revealed through deep genome resequencing how artificial and natural selection have impacted visual degradation, high-altitude adaptability, and high fertility in domestic sheep in China, demonstrating how domestication has influenced genes related to sheep's vision, stress responses, and social cognition. This study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms behind phenotypic changes in sheep, including behavior (Figure 1). Through the study of these genes and genomic regions, scientists are able to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind flocking behavior, including the genetic diversity of behavioral phenotypes and the relationship between genotype and phenotype. This understanding is crucial for identifying key genetic factors that may affect sheep social interactions and group structure, providing the possibility to optimize the behavioral traits of sheep populations through genetic selection. 1.3 Progress in genome-wide association studies Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are a powerful genetic research tool that can identify genetic markers associated with specific behavioral traits across the entire genome of sheep (Kirichenko et al., 2022). The application of GWAS has greatly advanced the study of the genetic basis of sheep flocking behavior, revealing many previously unknown genes and genomic regions related to social behavior.
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