International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 211-218 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 211 Feature Review Open Access Advances in Goat Disease Resistance Through Genetic Selection Qiqi Zhou, Hui Liu, Shiqiang Huang Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: shiqiang.huang@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0024 Received: 09 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 10 Oct., 2024 Published: 20 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou et al., 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: Zhou Q.Q., Lui H., and Huang S.Q., 2024, Advances in goat disease resistance through genetic selection, International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 14(5): 211-219 (doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0024) Abstract This study explores the role of genetic selection in boosting disease resistance in goats, with a focus on the genetic mechanisms, selection methods, and current advances in breeding practices. It examines common goat diseases, including infectious and parasitic diseases, and discusses the genetic factors involved in resistance and susceptibility. The study also highlights the importance of traditional and molecular breeding techniques, with a particular case study on Haemonchus contortus, a parasitic infection that poses significant challenges to goat health. Furthermore, the study addresses the current challenges in genetic selection, such as inbreeding and genetic diversity loss, and the ethical, economic, and environmental considerations. Finally, future directions in goat disease resistance research are discussed, emphasizing innovations in genomics, omics technologies, and the integration of biotechnology to shape the future of breeding programs. This study underscores the potential of genetic selection to revolutionize goat disease management, but also highlights the need for continued research and strategic planning in breeding programs. Keywords Goat disease resistance; Genetic selection; Haemonchus contortus; Breeding methods; Genomic technologies 1 Introduction Disease resistance is a critical factor in goat farming, as it directly impacts productivity and profitability. Goats are susceptible to various diseases, including gastrointestinal nematode infections, pneumonia, and haemonchosis, which can lead to significant economic losses due to decreased production, increased mortality, and the cost of treatments (Aboshady et al., 2021; Shrivastava et al., 2022; Ateya et al., 2023). Traditional methods of disease control, such as the use of anthelmintics and vaccines, are becoming less effective due to the development of resistance in parasites and pathogens (Goetsch et al., 2021). Therefore, breeding goats for enhanced disease resistance offers a sustainable and long-term solution to these challenges, improving the overall health and productivity of goat herds (Mandal et al., 2018; Amayi et al., 2021). Genetic selection has emerged as a powerful tool in livestock breeding, allowing for the enhancement of desirable traits such as disease resistance. This process involves identifying and selecting animals with genetic markers associated with resistance to specific diseases (Aboshady et al., 2020; Aboshady et al., 2021). Techniques such as RNA-sequencing and PCR-DNA sequencing have been employed to discover single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic variations that contribute to disease resistance in goats (Ateya et al., 2023). These genetic markers can then be used in breeding programs to select animals that are more resistant to diseases, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical treatments and improving herd health (Mandal et al., 2018; Tsukahara et al., 2021a). The integration of genomic data with traditional breeding practices has the potential to significantly advance the genetic improvement of livestock (Tsukahara et al., 2021b). This study attempts to explore the advances in genetic selection for disease resistance in goats, discuss the current state of research on genetic markers associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections, pneumonia, and haemonchosis, and provide an overview of the effectiveness of various genetic selection methods and their application in breeding programs. By synthesizing recent findings, this paper aims to offer insights into the potential of genetic selection as a sustainable strategy for enhancing goat health and productivity.
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