Animal Molecular Breeding, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 49-59 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 55 traits is low or there is a lack of expression records, it is difficult to select accurately and the progress will also slow down. Combining genomic selection with reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination is now regarded as a relatively effective approach, as it can not only accelerate the breeding speed, especially in complex environments, but also improve economic benefits (Gore et al., 2021; Massender et al., 2022; Negro et al., 2024). 7.2 Model implementation and results The latest research has found that after integrating lineage, phenotype and genomic data with single-step genomic BLUP and genomic BLUP, the breeding value (EBVs) can be estimated more accurately. The research results of Negro et al. (2024) show that in the dairy goats of Saanen and Alpine in Italy, the breeding values predicted by ssGBLUP have increased by approximately 10% to 13% compared with the traditional BLUP. The results calculated by the genomic method are also highly consistent with the traditional method in terms of milk production traits. Massender et al. (2022) demonstrated that in Canada, after genomic selection of similar goat breeds using single-breed or multi-breed models, the prediction accuracy of body shape traits increased by an average of 32% to 41%, and the improvement was more significant in individuals without expression data. Gore et al. (2021) conducted a simulation study on dairy goats in tropical regions, which demonstrated that combining genomic selection with artificial insemination significantly enhanced annual genetic progress, economic benefits, and overall profits. The greatest genetic improvement was achieved when the core breeding population accounted for 14% to 16% of the total population. 7.3 Lessons learned and practical takeaways The application of AI-driven genome selection methods in dairy goat breeding not only improves the accuracy of breeding value prediction, but also accelerates the speed of genetic improvement and brings better economic benefits. Research by Massender et al. (2022) and Negro et al. (2024) indicates that it is particularly suitable for situations where there is a lack of performance data or where the animals themselves do not exhibit certain traits. Gore et al. (2021) stated that if combined with artificial insemination and other reproductive techniques, the breeding efficiency and profitability could be further enhanced, which would be more beneficial for regions with less abundant resources. Massender et al. (2022) hold that in niche varieties with a small sample size, multi-variety genomic models also have advantages. They can reduce prediction errors and make the results more accurate. 8 Socioeconomic and Ethical Implications 8.1 Impact on smallholder farming and genetic diversity Manirakiza et al. (2020) found that in some community breeding projects, small-scale farmers, due to the need to sell sheep for money, were unable to persist in long-term participation in breeding programs, and they might also lack the experience and resources to manage large breeding groups. In order to make these projects more sustainable, it is necessary to strengthen the construction of breeders' associations and help small-scale farmers broaden their income sources at the same time. In this way, they will be more motivated to participate in the long term and can truly benefit from it. Wang et al. (2016) and Ncube et al. (2025) hold that although genomic selection helps to enhance disease resistance, adaptability, etc., if only a few economic traits are focused on, it may lead to a deterioration of the genetic diversity of the entire variety. 8.2 Public perception and consumer trust Many people have concerns about animal welfare, food safety, and whether gene-edited animals are natural. These concerns can also affect their attitudes towards gene editing and AI breeding technologies, as well as whether the market accepts these products. To make the public accept these new technologies, it becomes very important to communicate openly and transparently. The benefits of these technologies, possible risks, and existing regulatory measures all need to be clearly explained, which is conducive to building public trust. Nielsen (2022) indicates that some independent ethical institutions point out that when promoting the application of new technologies to farm animals, both the technology itself and whether it conforms to social values and whether it is truly beneficial to the public need to be taken into account.
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