Jue Huang

Hangzhou Luohuashi Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 4   
Received: 02 May, 2024    Accepted: 20 Jun., 2024    Published: 05 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study explores the foundational principles of quantitative genetics, including Mendelian inheritance, polygenic traits, heritability, and genetic variance, and examines their practical applications in breeding programs. Key tools and methodologies, such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and selection indices, are discussed in detail. Applications in enhancing productivity traits, improving health, and optimizing reproductive efficiency are highlighted, with a case study on dairy cattle breeding illustrating the economic and practical impacts of heritability and breeding value estimates. Emerging trends, including the integration of genomics, artificial intelligence, and CRISPR-based precision breeding, are addressed alongside challenges such as environmental interactions, ethical considerations, and the cost of advanced tools. The paper concludes by emphasizing the critical role of quantitative genetics in sustainable livestock breeding and advocating for continued research to address future challenges and opportunities.

Quantitative genetics; Livestock breeding; QTL mapping; Genome-wide association studies; Heritability