Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 165-177 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 173 example, the study on the genetic variations in pigmentation genes highlights the importance of considering the broader genetic context when selecting for coat color (Jia et al., 2021). Breeders must be cautious not to inadvertently select for deleterious alleles that could negatively impact the health of the rabbits. Additionally, there is a need for transparency and informed consent in breeding practices. Breeders should provide accurate information about the genetic modifications and their potential implications to stakeholders, including consumers and regulatory bodies. This transparency helps build trust and ensures that ethical standards are upheld in the breeding industry. The use of genetic technologies in breeding should be guided by ethical frameworks that consider the long-term impacts on rabbit populations and ecosystems. This includes evaluating the potential risks and benefits of genetic manipulation and ensuring that breeding practices align with principles of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. 6.3 Future prospects in rabbit breeding The future of rabbit breeding is poised to benefit significantly from advancements in genetic research and technology. The identification of genetic markers associated with coat color and other traits opens up new possibilities for precision breeding. This approach allows breeders to select for specific traits with greater accuracy, reducing the time and resources required for traditional breeding methods. One promising area of research is the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify additional genetic markers linked to desirable traits. The study on SNP markers from genotyping-by-sequencing data provides a foundation for such research, highlighting the potential of GWAS to uncover new genetic variants associated with coat color and other economically important traits (Li et al., 2022). These findings can be integrated into breeding programs to enhance the selection process and improve the overall quality of rabbit breeds. Another exciting prospect is the application of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, in rabbit breeding. These technologies offer the potential to directly modify specific genes associated with coat color, allowing for precise control over the genetic makeup of rabbits. However, the use of gene editing must be approached with caution, considering the ethical and regulatory implications. In addition to genetic technologies, advancements in reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, can further enhance rabbit breeding programs. These technologies enable the rapid propagation of desirable traits and the preservation of genetic diversity. Combined with genetic markers, reproductive technologies can accelerate the development of superior rabbit breeds with optimal coat color and other traits. 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1. Limitations of current genetic studies Current genetic studies on coat color variations in domestic rabbits have provided significant insights but also face several limitations. One major limitation is the focus on a limited number of genes. For instance, studies have primarily concentrated on genes like MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH, which are known to influence pigmentation (Fontanesi et al., 2006; Jia et al., 2021; Utzeri et al., 2021). While these genes are crucial, the genetic architecture of coat color is likely more complex, involving additional genes and regulatory elements that have not yet been fully explored. Another limitation is the sample size and diversity. Many studies have been conducted on specific breeds or populations, which may not capture the full genetic diversity of domestic rabbits. For example, the study on Chinese Rex rabbits involved 250 individuals but was limited to six coat color varieties (Li et al., 2022). Similarly, research on the TYR gene included only 25 rabbits from 11 domestic breeds and a wild population from Sardinia (Utzeri et al., 2021). These sample sizes, while informative, may not be sufficient to generalize findings across all rabbit breeds. Moreover, the methodologies used in these studies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and DNA sequencing, have their own set of limitations. GWAS, for instance, can identify associations but not causations, and the resolution of these studies is often limited by the density of the SNP markers used (Alves et al. , 2015; Li
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==