Advancements in Genetic Marker Exploration for Livestock Vertebral Traits with a Focus on China
by
,
Muhammad Zahoor Khan
*
,
Wenting Chen
,
Bingjian Huang
,
Xiaotong Liu
,
Xinrui Wang
,
Yihong Liu
,
Wenqiong Chai
and
Changfa Wang
* Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(4), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040594
Submission received: 25 December 2023
/
Revised: 29 January 2024
/
Accepted: 7 February 2024
/
Published: 11 February 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
Simple Summary
In the context of increasing global meat consumption, the meat production industry is facing significant challenges as it strives to enhance attributes related to livestock and meat quality. This is of paramount importance. Vertebral traits are among the factors influencing the overall body size and carcass weight of animals, with profound implications for both meat quality and quantity. This issue is particularly prominent in the livestock breeding sector, especially in China, where the augmentation of body size traits has become a central objective due to its consequential impact on carcass quality. Vertebral traits in livestock are complex, polygenic characteristics, and numerous genetic markers and pathways associated with vertebral development, size, and length have already been identified. This review article emphasizes the significant genes linked to vertebral traits in animals such as pigs, sheep, and donkeys based on the existing literature. It further underscores the importance of exploring deeper into molecular mechanisms to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between vertebral traits and genes, facilitating their effective utilization in successful breeding programs.
Abstract
In livestock breeding, the number of vertebrae has gained significant attention due to its impact on carcass quality and quantity. Variations in vertebral traits have been observed across different animal species and breeds, with a strong correlation to growth and meat production. Furthermore, vertebral traits are classified as quantitative characteristics. Molecular marker techniques, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), have emerged as efficient tools to identify genetic markers associated with vertebral traits. In the current review, we highlight some key potential genes and their polymorphisms that play pivotal roles in controlling vertebral traits (development, length, and number) in various livestock species, including pigs, donkeys, and sheep. Specific genetic variants within these genes have been linked to vertebral development, number, and length, offering valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms governing vertebral traits. This knowledge has significant implications for selective breeding strategies to enhance structural characteristics and meat quantity and quality in livestock, ultimately improving the efficiency and quality of the animal husbandry industry.
Keywords:
livestock; vertebral traits; meat production; genetic markers; genomic selection
