Genetic influences on reproductive traits in goats of Malaysia: A review
This review investigates the genetic influences on key reproductive traits in Malaysian goats, which are crucial for improving meat production and economic value. Traits such as litter size, kidding interval, age at first service, and gestation length show varying heritability, indicating limited po...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Journal of Hunan University
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44105/1/FULL%20TEXT.pdf https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44105/ https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.52.2.6 |
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| Summary: | This review investigates the genetic influences on key reproductive traits in Malaysian goats, which are crucial for improving meat production and economic value. Traits such as litter size, kidding interval, age at first service, and gestation length show varying heritability, indicating limited potential for selection improvement in some cases. Significant major genetic markers, including DNAH1, GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B, have been linked to reproductive performance, particularly litter size and fertility. The high levels of inbreeding observed in Malaysian goats could negatively impact these reproductive traits, further complicating traditional selection methods. Seasonal breeding patterns and environmental factors, such as melatonin secretion, significantly impact reproductive outcomes, highlighting the importance of effective herd management. Variability in reproductive traits among breeds like Shaanbei white cashmere goats, Chinese native breeds, and Alpine versus Saanen bucks is noted, with generally low heritability estimates for traits like litter size and age at first kidding. Advanced reproductive technologies, including marker-assisted selection, multiple ovulations, and genomic selection, offer the potential for accelerating genetic gain, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by inbreeding. Integrating genetic and environmental factors into breeding programs can enhance reproductive efficiency and overall productivity. This study provides a framework for targeted breeding strategies to improve the reproductive performance of goats in Malaysia. |
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