Harnessing genomic information for livestock improvement

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Agricultural Technology

Background:

• Global demand for animal products will rise 70% by 2050.
• Sustainable production necessitates environmental impact reduction.
• Improving livestock genetic quality is crucial for meeting demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of advanced technologies in livestock breeding.
• To discuss the impact of genomic selection on genetic progress.
• To emphasize the potential of complex genomic data for future improvements.

Main Methods:

• Genomic selection implementation in major livestock species.
• Analysis of genetic progress over the past decade.
• Integration of complex genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and microbiome data.

Main Results:

• Genomic selection has more than doubled genetic progress in some livestock species.
• Increasing complexity of genomic information is becoming available.
• Technological advances facilitate cost-effective data collection and utilization.

Conclusions:

• Further advancements in livestock genetics are required.
• Integrating diverse genomic data types will significantly contribute to breeding.
• Technological innovation is key to sustainable animal agriculture.