Goat Genomic Resources: The Search for Genes Associated with Its Economic Traits

Abstract

Goat plays a crucial role in human livelihoods, being a major source of meat, milk, fiber, and hides, particularly under adverse climatic conditions. The goat genomics related to the candidate gene approach is now being used to recognize molecular mechanisms that have different expressions of growth, reproductive, milk, wool, and disease resistance. The appropriate literature on this topic has been reviewed in this article. Several genetic characterization attempts of different goats have reported the existence of genotypic and morphological variations between different goat populations. As a result, different whole-genome sequences along with annotated gene sequences, gene function, and other genomic information of different goats are available in different databases. The main objective of this review is to search the genes associated with economic traits in goats. More than 271 candidate genes have been discovered in goats. Candidate genes influence the physiological pathway, metabolism, and expression of phenotypes. These genes have different functions on economically important traits. Some genes have pleiotropic effect for expression of phenotypic traits. Hence, recognizing candidate genes and their mutations that cause variations in gene expression and phenotype of an economic trait can help breeders look for genetic markers for specific economic traits. The availability of reference whole-genome assembly of goats, annotated genes, and transcriptomics makes comparative genomics a useful tool for systemic genetic upgradation. Identification and characterization of trait-associated sequence variations and gene will provide powerful means to give positive influences for future goat breeding program.

Selection Signature Analyses Revealed Genes Associated With Adaptation, Production, and Reproduction in Selected Goat Breeds in Kenya

“…According to Zonaed Siddiki et al (2020) , over 271 candidate genes have been detected in goats, which impact the metabolism, physiological pathway, and expression of phenotypic characteristics. These genes play vital roles in economically important traits such as growth, reproduction, milk, and disease resistance.…”

Individual Genomic Loci and mRNA Levels of Immune Biomarkers Associated with Pneumonia Susceptibility in Baladi Goats

“…The majority of disease features, however, have relatively low heritability, making it difficult to achieve genetic control through breeding [ 37 ]. There is optimism that using molecular data will truly help to significantly reduce the number of animal diseases with the advancement of molecular genetic technology and our knowledge of farm animal genomes [ 38 ]. The availability of genome sequences and the high-resolution molecular mapping of specific livestock species has allowed for new insights into the genetic causes of infectious diseases [ 39 ].…”

Identification of Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes Associated with Body Weight and Body Conformation Traits in Karachai Goats

“…GWAS has been used as a primary strategy to detect QTL (quantitative traits loci) for complex traits [ 27 ]. Many genomic regions and candidate genes associated with growth and exterior traits have been identified by means of GWAS in different farm animals [ 13 , 14 , 22 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], including goats [ 31 ].…”