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The Quest for Genes Involved in Adaptation to Climate Change in Ruminant Livestock
Matilde Maria Passamonti1, Elisa Somenzi1, Mario Barbato1
1Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition-DIANA, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Livestock adaptation to diverse environments is crucial as climate change impacts animal production. Genomic studies reveal genetic adaptations, informing strategies for resilient livestock in changing climates.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genomics
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Livestock Production
Background:
- Livestock have dispersed globally, adapting to varied climates from hot to sub-zero, and humid to arid conditions.
- Climate change presents challenges to livestock welfare and productivity through rising temperatures, extreme weather, and increased solar radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in livestock genomic methodologies.
- To explore the environmental impacts on animal production.
- To highlight genomic discoveries related to adaptation and production.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genes controlling traits.
- Population genetics to detect genomic regions under selection or introgression.
- Landscape genomics integrating genomics with geographic data to find adaptive genomic features.
Main Results:
- Genomic studies have localized genes for various livestock traits.
- Population genetics identified selection signatures and introgression events for improved production and adaptation.
- Landscape genomics pinpointed specific genomic features enabling adaptation to local environments.
Conclusions:
- Genomic advancements, combined with climate change predictions, generate vast datasets requiring innovative big data analytics.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning are essential for studying gene-environment interactions, historical genomic effects, and modeling future scenarios for livestock adaptation.
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