Progress and future perspectives of livestock genomics in India: a mini review

Abstract

The field of genetics has evolved a lot after the emergence of molecular and advanced genomic technologies. The advent of Next Generation Sequencing, SNP genotyping platforms and simultaneous reduction in the cost of sequencing had opened the door to genomic research in farm animals. There are various applications of genomics in livestock, such as the use of genomic data: (i) to investigate genetic diversity and breed composition/population structure (ii) to identify genetic variants and QTLs related to economically important and ecological traits, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic signatures of selection; (iii) to enhance breeding programs by genomic selection. Compared to traditional methods, genomic selection is expected to improve selection response by increasing selection accuracy and reducing the generation interval due to early selection. Genomic selection (GS) in developed countries has led to rapid genetic gains, especially in dairy cattle, due to a well-established genetic evaluation system. Indian livestock system is still lagging behind developed nations in adopting these technologies. This review discusses the current status, challenges, and future perspectives of livestock genomics in India.

Keywords:

• Genetic improvement
• genomics
• genomic selection
• India
• livestock

Acknowledgements

All the authors of the manuscript wish to thank Director and Joint Director (Research), ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar for their support and for providing an infrastructural facility to review this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.