Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection

Abstract submission deadline

20 January 2025

Manuscript submission deadline

20 March 2025

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2015

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The worldwide demand for animal-derived products will increase dramatically in the next 30 years due to global population growth. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of animal breeding through reproduction performance and genomic selection will be of the utmost importance to satisfy the growing food demand. In view of this, combining assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) and genetic/genomic molecular tools (GMTs) for animal selection will play a key role in improving and maximizing animal production systems' efficiency. This Topic aims to present original research and/or reviews related to ARTs and GMTs. All studies on factors affecting livestock performance with a particular focus on reproduction management, health control, longevity improvement, and welfare practices based on ART- and GMT-derived results are welcome. Furthermore, we encourage studies that contribute significantly to further advancing these fields and those based on ARTs, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro/in vivo embryo production (IVP), embryo transfer (ET), controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (superovulation), gamete sex determination, artificial insemination (AI), gamete cryopreservation, nuclear transfer/cloning, stem cells technologies (SCTs), etc. Moreover, contributions focused on complementary techniques for ARTs, including DNA isolation and analysis (DIA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR/rtPCR), DNA sequencing, recombinant plasmids, gene cloning, transgenesis, Southern blotting, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), genome-wide association studies (GWASs), etc., are welcome as well.

Potential subtopics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Research surrounding the reproductive basis of important fertility traits;
• Application of ARTs to genetic resources for increasing reproductive/productive performance traits;
• Studies on reproduction–nutrition interaction and efficient reproductive and production traits;
• Research on genes implicated in reproductive and production traits;
• Sequencing research surrounding breeding and genetics;
• Studies on reproduction–health control interaction and efficient production traits;
• Research on biodiversity protection programs, germplasm banking, and ex situ preservation;
• Studies on reproduction–welfare practices and efficient production traits;
• Interactions between reproduction–environment (climate) and impact on reproductive and production traits;
• Research on reproduction–longevity interactions for increasing fertility and productivity traits.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Manuel García-Herreros

Prof. Dr. Pedro M. Aponte

Topic Editors

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.408	3.1	2011	18.6 Days	2000 CHF	Submit
Animals animals	3.231	2.7	2011	17 Days	1800 CHF	Submit
Dairy dairy	-	-	2020	26.8 Days	1000 CHF	Submit
Genes genes	4.141	5.0	2010	16.7 Days	2400 CHF	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	6.208	6.9	2000	15.9 Days	2500 CHF	Submit
Veterinary Sciences vetsci	2.518	2.6	2014	16.7 Days	1900 CHF	Submit

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Journals

All Agriculture Animals Dairy Genes IJMS Veterinary Sciences

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Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Characterization of Creole Cattle in the Andean Highlands Using Bio-Morphometric Measures and Zoometric Indices

by

Rolando Rojas-Espinoza

,

Rassiel Macedo

,

Alex Suaña

,

Alfredo Delgado

,

Yan P. Manrique

,

Halley Rodríguez

,

Yesenia M. Quispe

,

Uri H. Perez-Guerra

,

Manuel G. Pérez-Durand

and

Manuel García-Herreros

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111843 (registering DOI) - 01 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Several Creole cattle biotypes can be found in the Andean highlands, and most of them are considered as being in risk of extinction. The main aim of the present study was to perform a phenotypic characterization of the Creole cattle in the Andean [...] Read more.

Several Creole cattle biotypes can be found in the Andean highlands, and most of them are considered as being in risk of extinction. The main aim of the present study was to perform a phenotypic characterization of the Creole cattle in the Andean highlands using bio-morphometric measures and zoometric indices. Individuals from three different biotypes (Black ‘Negro’ (n = 57), Colour-Sided ‘Callejón’ (n = 20), and Brindle ‘Atigrado’ (n = 18)) from an experimental research center located in the Peruvian highlands were enrolled in the study. In total, seventeen morphometric parameters were evaluated and ten zoometric indices were calculated in each biotype. To test the relationship between biometric traits, correlation analyses were carried out between morphometric parameters. Differences were observed regarding different morphometric variables such as head length (HL) and rump length (RL) among cattle biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV; %) regarding different morphometric parameters ranged between 11.32 for neck length (NL) and 3.63 for height at withers (HaW), which indicated low–moderate variability among morphometric variables. Differences were observed in the longitudinal pelvic index (LPI) when different zoometric indices were compared among biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The CV regarding different zoometric indices, which ranged between 10.78 for the cephalic index (CEI) and 5.05 for LPI, indicated low variability among indices. No differences were observed in any other morphometric parameter or zoometric index among cattle biotypes or genders (p > 0.05). Finally, multiple correlations were observed between morphometric variables (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that Peruvian Andean Creole cattle can be considered as a dairy-related biotype with a slight tendency for beef production (dual-purpose). The great homogeneity regarding zoometric characteristics among biotypes and genders may indicate that the Andean Creole cattle have been maintained quite isolated, avoiding the genetic influence of other foreign breeds. Finally, the phenotypic characterization including bio-morphometric measurements and zoometric indices obtained from the different Creole bovine biotypes is crucial in order to begin different conservation programs to preserve cattle breeds in the Peruvian Andean highlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection)

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Open AccessReview

ADAMTS Proteases: Importance in Animal Reproduction

by

Pamela Hernández-Delgado

,

Monserrath Felix-Portillo

and

José A. Martínez-Quintana

Genes 2023, 14(6), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14061181 - 29 May 2023

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Abstract

Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different [...] Read more.

Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different ECM. Several genes of this family encode for proteins with important functions in reproductive processes; in particular, ADAMTS1, 4, 5 and 9 are genes that are differentially expressed in cell types and the physiological stages of reproductive tissues. ADAMTS enzymes degrade proteoglycans in the ECM of the follicles so that the oocytes can be released and regulate follicle development during folliculogenesis, favoring the action of essential growth factors, such as FGF-2, FGF-7 and GDF-9. The transcriptional regulation of ADAMTS1 and 9 in preovulatory follicles occurs because of the gonadotropin surge in preovulatory follicles, via the progesterone/progesterone receptor complex. In addition, in the case of ADAMTS1, pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might contribute to ECM regulation. Different Omic studies indicate the importance of genes of the ADAMTS family from a reproductive aspect. ADAMTS genes could serve as biomarkers for genetic improvement and contribute to enhance fertility and animal reproduction; however, more research related to these genes, the synthesis of proteins encoded by these genes, and regulation in farm animals is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection)

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Open AccessArticle

Overexpression of DGAT2 Regulates the Differentiation of Bovine Preadipocytes

by

Pan-Pan Guo

,

Xin Jin

,

Jun-Fang Zhang

,

Qiang Li

,

Chang-Guo Yan

and

Xiang-Zi Li

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071195 - 29 Mar 2023

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Abstract

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major component of intramuscular fat. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2(DGAT2) expression determines the rate of TAG synthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DGAT2 in the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes and lipid metabolism-related [...] Read more.

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major component of intramuscular fat. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2(DGAT2) expression determines the rate of TAG synthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DGAT2 in the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes and lipid metabolism-related signalling pathways. Bovine preadipocytes were infected with overexpression and interfering adenovirus vectors of DGAT2. The effects on the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes were examined using molecular and transcriptomic techniques, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. DGAT2 overexpression significantly increased (p < 0.05) intracellular TAG, adiponectin, and lipid droplet (LD) contents. Moreover, it upregulated (p < 0.05) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, and fatty acid binding protein 4 mRNA expression. In contrast, DGAT2 knockdown reduced intracellular TAG and LD content and downregulated (p < 0.05) C/EBPβ, mannosyl (alpha-1,3-)-glycoproteinbeta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, lipin 1,1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 4, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha mRNA expression. Between DGAT2-overexpressing preadipocytes and normal cells, 208 DEGs were identified, including 106 upregulated and 102 downregulated genes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed DEGs mainly enriched in PPAR signalling and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. These results demonstrated that DGAT2 regulated preadipocyte differentiation and LD and TAG accumulation by mediating the expression of adipose differentiation-, lipid metabolism-, and fatty acid synthesis-related genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection)

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Open AccessCommunication

A Comprehensive Strategy Combining Feature Selection and Local Optimization Algorithm to Optimize the Design of Low-Density Chip for Genomic Selection

by

Ruihan Mao

,

Lei Zhou

,

Zhaojun Wang

,

Jianliang Wu

and

Jianfeng Liu

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030614 - 03 Mar 2023

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Abstract

Design of low-density SNP chips provides an opportunity for wide application of genomic selection at lower cost. A novel strategy referred to as the “block-free” method is proposed in this study to select a subset of SNPs from a high-density chip to form [...] Read more.

Design of low-density SNP chips provides an opportunity for wide application of genomic selection at lower cost. A novel strategy referred to as the “block-free” method is proposed in this study to select a subset of SNPs from a high-density chip to form a low-density panel. In this method, Feature Selection using a Feature Similarity (FSFS) algorithm was first performed to remove highly correlated SNPs, and then a Multiple-Objective, Local-Optimization (MOLO) algorithm was used to pick SNPs for the low-density panel. Two other commonly used methods called the “uniform” method and the “block-based” method were also implemented for comparison purposes. A real pig dataset with 7967 individuals from three breeds containing 43,832 SNPs was used for comparison of the methods. In terms of genotype imputation accuracy and genomic prediction accuracy, our strategy was superior in most cases when the densities were lower than 1K. The genotype imputation accuracy from the low-density chip compared to the original high-density chip was higher than 90% in all pig breeds as the density increased to 1K. In addition, the accuracies of predicted genomic breeding values (GEBV) calculated using the imputed panel were nearly 90% of estimates from the original chip for all traits and breeds. Our strategy is effective to design low-density chips by making full use of information of close relationships for genomic selection in animals and plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection)

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