International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 334-343 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 334 Feature Study Open Access Feature Review on the Use of Genomic Selection in Chicken Breeding: Current Practices and Future Prospects Hongbo Liang, Jia Xuan Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: jia.xuan@jicat.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0030 Received: 12 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 15 Dec., 2024 Published: 26 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang and Xuan, 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: Liang H.B., and Xuan J., 2024, Feature review on the use of genomic selection in chicken breeding: current practices and future prospects, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(6): 334-343 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0030) Abstract This studyexamines the principles, methodologies, and recent advancements that underpin genomic selection (GS), a transformative approach for enhancing the efficiency of poultry breeding. Current applications of GS in improving meat and egg production traits, incorporating disease resistance, and maintaining genetic diversity are analyzed. Key enabling technologies, including high-throughput genotyping, predictive computational tools, and the integration of phenotypic and genomic data, are highlighted. A case study on the successful implementation of GS in improving disease resistance illustrates its practical impact. Challenges such as high costs, limited genomic resources, ethical concerns, and regulatory barriers are also addressed. Promising prospects are outlined for integrating GS with genome editing technologies, precision breeding, and artificial intelligence to achieve sustainable and tailored poultry production. The study emphasizes the critical role of ongoing innovation and collaboration in maximizing the potential of GS to revolutionize chicken breeding. Keywords Chicken breeding; Genomic selection; Genetic improvement; Poultry production; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Chicken breeding plays a pivotal role in global agriculture and food security. Poultry products, including meat and eggs, are among the most affordable and efficient sources of animal protein worldwide. The advancements in poultry breeding have significantly contributed to the increased production and efficiency of these products, thereby helping to reduce global hunger and food insecurity (Pankova and Katerinich, 2017; Athrey, 2020). The poultry industry has seen remarkable improvements in feed efficiency, production systems, and nutritional understanding, which have collectively enhanced the reliability and consistency of poultry as a food source. However, challenges such as musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders, welfare concerns, and the need to adapt to climate change threaten the long-term sustainability of this model. Genetic improvement techniques in animal breeding have evolved significantly over the years. Traditional selective breeding methods have been the cornerstone of genetic advancements, focusing on traits such as yield, efficiency, and product quality (Chatterjee et al., 2019; Tizard et al., 2019). These methods involve mating superior individuals to enhance desirable traits in the offspring. However, the rate of genetic progress using conventional methods has been relatively slow due to the inherent nature of population and selection criteria. Recent advancements have introduced biotechnological approaches, including transgenic technology and genome editing, which offer the potential to address complex traits such as disease resistance and welfare outcomes more effectively (Doran et al., 2017). These modern techniques have shown promise in enhancing productivity and sustainability in poultry breeding (Neeteson et al., 2023). Genomic Selection (GS) is a cutting-edge breeding technique that utilizes genomic information to predict the genetic value of individuals for specific traits. Unlike traditional methods, GS incorporates genome-wide markers to estimate breeding values, allowing for more accurate and faster selection of desirable traits. The implementation of GS in poultry breeding has led to significant improvements in traits such as growth, feed efficiency, and reproductive efficiency (Wood et al., 2019). By integrating genomic information, breeders can achieve higher precision in selection, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of poultry
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