Exploring Meiotic Recombination and Its Potential Benefits in South African Beef Cattle: A Review

Meiotic recombination is a key evolutionary process that generates novel allele combinations during prophase I of meiosis, promoting genetic diversity and enabling the selection of desirable traits in livestock breeding. Although its molecular mechanisms are well-characterised in model organisms such as humans and mice, studies in African indigenous cattle, particularly South African breeds, remain scarce. Key regulators of recombination, including PRDM9, SPO11, and DMC1, play essential roles in crossover formation and genome stability, with mutations in these genes often linked to fertility defects. Despite the Bonsmara and Nguni breeds' exceptional adaptability to arid and resource-limited environments, little is known about how recombination contributes to their unique genetic architecture and adaptive traits. This review synthesises the current knowledge on the molecular basis of meiotic recombination, with a focus on prophase I events and associated structural proteins and enzymes. It also highlights the utility of genome-wide tools, particularly high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for recombination mapping. By focusing on the underexplored recombination landscape in South African beef cattle, this review identifies key knowledge gaps. It outlines how recombination studies can inform breeding strategies aimed at enhancing genetic improvement, conservation, and the long-term sustainability of local beef production systems.