Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 326-334 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 326 Feature Review Open Access The Impact of Breeding Practices on the Incidence of Hereditary Diseases in Cats Zhaolin Wang Ruipai Pet Hospital, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding email: 745457309@qq.com Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0034 Received: 15 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 21 Sep., 2024 Published: 14 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang, 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: Wang Z.L., 2024, The impact of breeding practices on the incidence of hereditary diseases in cats, Animal Molecular Breeding, 14(5): 326-334 (doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0034) Abstract Breeding practices in domestic cats have significantly shaped their genetic diversity, impacting the prevalence of hereditary diseases within specific breeds. This study examines the role of selective breeding, inbreeding, and breed popularity in contributing to the incidence of genetic disorders in cats, also analyzed the genetic health of various cat breeds, focusing on patterns of inheritance, common mutations, and the impact of genetic screening programs. Additionally, a case study on Breed X provides insights into the relationship between breeding practices and disease prevalence, exploring management strategies and lessons that can inform future breeding programs. The findings underscore the physiological, behavioral, and care-related consequences of hereditary diseases on cat health, with broader implications for breeders, owners, and veterinary practitioners. Reducing the prevalence of these diseases presents challenges, including the need for breeder awareness, improved access to genetic testing, and addressing regulatory and ethical considerations. Looking forward, advancements in genetic screening and breeding technologies offer promising avenues for enhancing the genetic health of cats through sustainable breeding practices. Sustainable, ethically informed breeding practices are crucial for promoting the long-term genetic health and well-being of cat populations. Keywords Cat breeding practices; Hereditary diseases; Genetic health; Selective breeding; Inbreeding; Genetic testing; Breed-specific disorders; Veterinary care 1 Introduction The breeding of domestic cats has long been a subject of interest for both pet enthusiasts and scientific researchers. While selective breeding has led to the development of distinct cat breeds with desirable traits, it has also inadvertently increased the prevalence of hereditary diseases (Holst, 2022). Cat breeding practices have evolved significantly over the years, with a focus on maintaining breed standards and enhancing specific physical and behavioral traits. However, the small population size within specific breeds often necessitates a degree of inbreeding to preserve these traits, which can lead to a higher incidence of hereditary diseases (Plitman et al., 2019; Casal, 2022). For instance, the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Persian cats is a direct consequence of such breeding practices (Michel-Regalado et al., 2022). Additionally, the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in various cat breeds reflects their unique breeding histories and strategies, further influencing the genetic health of these populations (Alhaddad et al., 2013). Understanding hereditary diseases in cat populations is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the identification and management of genetic disorders that can significantly impact the health and welfare of cats. For example, a study on the epidemiology of presumed hereditary ocular diseases in cats in France highlighted the prevalence of conditions such as entropion, corneal sequestration, and retinal dysplasia, which are more common in certain breeds (Bott and Chahory, 2022). Secondly, knowledge of genetic mutations and their effects can inform breeding decisions, helping to reduce the incidence of these diseases. The largest DNA-based study of domestic cats to date has shown that DNA panel testing can effectively identify disease-associated variants, aiding in the selection of healthier breeding stocks (Anderson et al., 2021). Lastly, understanding the genetic diversity within and between cat breeds can help mitigate the negative effects of inbreeding, thereby improving overall feline health (Gandolfi and Alhaddad, 2015).
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