Genomic Conservation of Local Ruminant Breeds

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 1073

Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Central de Ciências, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Interests: animal genetics; population genetics; genetic resources; genomics; animal conservation genetics and genomics

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Final W5 Norte, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
Interests: genetic resourses; genomics; conservattion genetics; population genetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Local ruminant breeds, including cattle, sheep, and goats, are vital components of a country's animal genetic resources (AnGR). They contribute to local and regional food security, sustainability, and resilience to multiple production systems. Local or indigenous breeds often possess unique genetic variants and traits such as disease resistance, heat tolerance, and adaptation to harsh environments, which are acquired over centuries of genetic drift and natural and artificial selection. Today, genomics provides powerful tools to discover and better understand the processes and patterns of such genetic groups through some strategies, such as the following: (1) Genetic Characterization and Risk Assessment: Genomic data accurately measure genetic diversity within and between breeds, assess inbreeding levels, and detect introgression from exotic breeds. (2) Identifying Adaptive Traits: Genomic analyses can pinpoint selection signatures, which are specific regions of the genome associated with adaptation to local conditions. Preserving these adaptive genes is key to the long-term viability of livestock production systems. (3) Informing Conservation Strategies: Genomic information guides both in situ (on-farm) and ex situ (gene banks) conservation efforts.

These three items will be the main scope of this Special Issue of Animals. This Special Issue will provide an open opportunity for new research results, reviews, and expert perspectives on these themes. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Danielle Assis De Faria
Dr. Samuel Rezende Paiva
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • animal genetic resources
  • food security
  • breeding programs
  • gene banks
  • germplasm
  • genetic management
  • economic traits
  • local communities
  • national sovereignty

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 1215 KB  
Article
Weighted Single-Step Genomic Evaluation of Body Structural Traits for Early Selection of Growth Performance in Thai Swamp Buffalo
by Wootichai Kenchaiwong, Vibuntita Chankitisakul, Monchai Duangjinda, Rawinan Lomngam, Kecha Kuha, Kitsanathon Sintala, Kulphat Pothikanit and Wuttigrai Boonkum
Animals 2026, 16(13), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16132012 - 1 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Early identification of genetically superior animals is important for improving growth performance and accelerating genetic gain in swamp buffalo breeding programs. This study investigated the genetic relationships between growth and body structural traits and evaluated their potential use as early selection indicators in [...] Read more.
Early identification of genetically superior animals is important for improving growth performance and accelerating genetic gain in swamp buffalo breeding programs. This study investigated the genetic relationships between growth and body structural traits and evaluated their potential use as early selection indicators in Thai swamp buffalo. Phenotypic records from 1034 animals and genotypic data from 462 buffaloes genotyped with 30,979 SNP markers were analyzed using weighted single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (WssGBLUP) and weighted single-step Genome-Wide Association Study (WssGWAS) approaches. Moderate to high heritability estimates were observed for growth traits (0.41–0.59), whereas body structural traits showed low to moderate heritability (0.08–0.27). Positive genetic correlations were identified between growth traits and several structural traits, particularly heart girth, hip height, and body depth. Principal component analysis identified two major components explaining 80.1% of the total phenotypic variation, with the first principal component (PC1) representing overall body size and skeletal development. PC1 also showed relatively high heritability (0.57), indicating its potential utility as a composite selection trait. Genome-wide association analysis identified significant SNPs and candidate genes associated with weaning weight and PC1, including ST6GALNAC5, EPHA6, SYN3, DDIT4, DNAJB12, BLCAP, and NNAT, which are involved in growth regulation, metabolism, cellular development, and stress-response pathways. These findings demonstrate that body structural traits are genetically associated with growth performance and may serve as effective early selection indicators in genomic breeding programs for Thai swamp buffalo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic Conservation of Local Ruminant Breeds)
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