International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 44-53 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 50 traits in livestock have made remarkable progress. These studies have not only revealed the genetic basis of behavioral traits in a variety of livestock species, but also provided new strategies for livestock genetic improvement and breed selection. Cattle: In dairy cattle, GWAS research has focused on social behavior, stress responses, and behavioral traits related to production performance. For example, certain genetic variants have been found to be strongly associated with social hierarchies and group interaction behaviors in cattle, and these findings can help understand herd structure and optimize herd management. Swine: GWAS studies of behavioral traits in pigs have focused on stress response, aggression, and maternal behavior. The discovery of specific genes, such as variants in the NR3C1 gene associated with stress, offers possible avenues for genetic improvement to reduce stress response and improve reproductive efficiency in pigs. Sheep: In sheep, GWAS studies have looked at exploring genetic variants associated with social behavior, stress response, and maternal behavior, among others. These studies provide a genetic basis for improving sheep welfare and enhancing production performance. Poultry: GWAS studies of behavioral traits in poultry have focused on maternal behavior, stress responses, and social interaction behaviors. Studies have revealed multiple genes and genetic markers associated with these traits, contributing to improved hatching efficiency and improved breeding environments. 4.2 Important findings on the genetic basis of specific traits Stress tolerance: In several livestock species, GWAS studies have identified multiple genes and genetic variants associated with stress tolerance. For example, in pigs, variants in the NR3C1 gene associated with the glucocorticoid receptor have been found to be associated with the intensity of the stress response, a finding that has important implications for understanding how animals adapt to environmental stress. Maternal behavior: Maternal behavior in poultry and pigs is another focus of GWAS research. In poultry, specific genes have been found to be strongly associated with maternal behavior, which has a direct impact on improving hatchability and chick survival. In pigs, certain genetic variants are also associated with maternal behavior, which is expected to be genetically improved to enhance the reproductive efficiency of pigs. 4.3 Practical applications of GWAS research for livestock genetic improvement and breed selection The results of GWAS research have begun to play a role in livestock genetic improvement and breed selection. By identifying genetic variation associated with important behavioral traits, breeders can make more precise genetic selections to optimize the behavioral performance of livestock and improve productivity and animal welfare. For example, by selecting for genetic markers for better stress tolerance or maternal behavior, pig and poultry breeds can be improved to adapt to the breeding environment and increase reproductive efficiency (Nguyen et al., 2021). The application of GWAS results also includes the development of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategy, which can improve selection efficiency and accuracy. With the output of more and more GWAS research results, its application in animal breeding will be more extensive, which will help to realize the sustainable development of the livestock industry. In conclusion, GWAS has made remarkable progress in genetic studies of livestock behavioral traits, providing valuable resources for understanding the genetic basis of livestock behavior and promoting livestock genetic improvement. These studies have not only improved the understanding of the genetic regulatory mechanisms of livestock behavior, but also provided new strategies and tools for future genetic improvement and breed selection. With further research and technological advances, GWAS will continue to play a key role in revealing the genetic secrets of livestock behavioral traits and promoting the development of the livestock industry.
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