Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 326-334 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 330 5.4 Lessons learned and recommendations The case study of Breed X highlights several critical lessons and recommendations for managing hereditary diseases in cats. First, the importance of genetic screening cannot be overstated. Regular screening for known disease-causing variants can help identify at-risk individuals and inform breeding decisions to minimize the spread of these conditions. Second, maintaining genetic diversity within breeds is essential. Breeding practices should aim to avoid excessive inbreeding, which can lead to decreased fertility and increased neonatal mortality (Figure 2) (Casal, 2022). Finally, collaboration between breeders, veterinarians, and geneticists is vital. By working together, these stakeholders can develop and implement effective strategies to manage hereditary diseases and improve the overall health and well-being of cat populations. Figure 2 Box and whisker plots showing the correlation between the size of kitten litters and coefficient of inbreeding (F) for 74 litters sired by a single tom over a 7-year and 9-month period. There is a decrease in the median litter size (indicated by arrows) as the F value increases. N=number of litters per group; x=mean litter size; whiskers=highest and lowest numbers of kittens per litter; box=75% of all litter sizes (Adopted from Casal, 2022) 6 Challenges in Reducing Hereditary Diseases in Cats 6.1 Breeder knowledge and awareness One of the primary challenges in reducing hereditary diseases in cats is the level of knowledge and awareness among breeders. Many breeders may not be fully informed about the genetic implications of their breeding choices. For instance, inbreeding, which is often practiced to maintain breed standards, can lead to decreased fertility and increased neonatal mortality (Casal, 2022). Additionally, while some breeders are well-informed and actively share knowledge via the internet and social media, there is still a significant gap in understanding the complexities of feline genetics and the impact of inbreeding on health (Goericke-Pesch and Packeiser, 2022). Comprehensive records on breeding outcomes and the use of DNA panels to estimate the coefficient of inbreeding are recommended to make informed breeding choices. 6.2 Access to genetic testing and resources Access to genetic testing and resources is another significant challenge. Although commercially available DNA panels can inform breeding choices and help estimate genetic diversity, not all breeders have access to these tools or the financial means to utilize them. The availability of genetic testing has increased, with over 70 genetic mutations identified in cats, many of which are clinically relevant (Gandolfi and Alhaddad, 2015; Lyons, 2015). However, the implementation of these tests in routine breeding practices is still limited. The largest DNA-based study of domestic cats highlighted the importance of panel testing across populations to reduce disease-associated genetic variants (Anderson et al., 2021). Despite these advancements, the cost and accessibility of genetic testing remain barriers for many breeders. 6.3 Regulatory and ethical considerations Regulatory and ethical considerations also pose challenges in reducing hereditary diseases in cats. There is a need for more systematic screening and regulation to ensure that breeding practices do not perpetuate genetic diseases.
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