Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention

Genomic applications in beef cattle disease prevention have gained traction in recent years, offering new strategies for improving herd health and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Advances in genomics, including identification of genetic markers linked to disease resistance, provi...

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Main Authors: Ramanathan Kasimanickam, Joao Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira, John Kastelic, Vanmathy Kasimanickam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Animals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/277
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author Ramanathan Kasimanickam
Joao Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
John Kastelic
Vanmathy Kasimanickam
author_facet Ramanathan Kasimanickam
Joao Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
John Kastelic
Vanmathy Kasimanickam
author_sort Ramanathan Kasimanickam
collection DOAJ
description Genomic applications in beef cattle disease prevention have gained traction in recent years, offering new strategies for improving herd health and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Advances in genomics, including identification of genetic markers linked to disease resistance, provide powerful tools for early detection, selection, and management of cattle resistant to infectious diseases. By incorporating genomic technologies such as whole-genome sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomics, researchers can identify specific genetic variants associated with resistance to pathogens like bovine respiratory disease and Johne’s disease. These genomic insights allow for more accurate breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance and overall herd resilience. Genomic selection, in particular, enables identification of individuals with superior genetic traits for immune function, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments and improving animal welfare. Moreover, precision medicine, powered by genomic data, supports development of tailored health management strategies, including targeted vaccination plans and antimicrobial stewardship. Incorporation of genomic tools in beef cattle management also offers the potential for early disease detection, facilitating proactive interventions that reduce the spread of infections. Despite challenges like cost, data interpretation and integration into current management systems, the potential advantages of genomic applications in disease prevention are substantial. As these technologies advance, they are anticipated to have crucial roles in improving sustainability (by enhancing herd performance), profitability (by improving overall herd longevity), and biosecurity (by decreasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks) of beef cattle production systems worldwide.
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spelling doaj-art-509d8b9d79df409f86768571f9188b0f2025-01-24T13:18:24ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-01-0115227710.3390/ani15020277Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease PreventionRamanathan Kasimanickam0Joao Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira1John Kastelic2Vanmathy Kasimanickam3Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, USADepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, USADepartment of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, CanadaDepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, USAGenomic applications in beef cattle disease prevention have gained traction in recent years, offering new strategies for improving herd health and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Advances in genomics, including identification of genetic markers linked to disease resistance, provide powerful tools for early detection, selection, and management of cattle resistant to infectious diseases. By incorporating genomic technologies such as whole-genome sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomics, researchers can identify specific genetic variants associated with resistance to pathogens like bovine respiratory disease and Johne’s disease. These genomic insights allow for more accurate breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance and overall herd resilience. Genomic selection, in particular, enables identification of individuals with superior genetic traits for immune function, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments and improving animal welfare. Moreover, precision medicine, powered by genomic data, supports development of tailored health management strategies, including targeted vaccination plans and antimicrobial stewardship. Incorporation of genomic tools in beef cattle management also offers the potential for early disease detection, facilitating proactive interventions that reduce the spread of infections. Despite challenges like cost, data interpretation and integration into current management systems, the potential advantages of genomic applications in disease prevention are substantial. As these technologies advance, they are anticipated to have crucial roles in improving sustainability (by enhancing herd performance), profitability (by improving overall herd longevity), and biosecurity (by decreasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks) of beef cattle production systems worldwide.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/277beef cattlebreeding programsdisease preventiongenetic resistancegenomicsherd health
spellingShingle Ramanathan Kasimanickam
Joao Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
John Kastelic
Vanmathy Kasimanickam
Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
Animals
beef cattle
breeding programs
disease prevention
genetic resistance
genomics
herd health
title Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
title_full Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
title_fullStr Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
title_full_unstemmed Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
title_short Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention
title_sort application of genomic selection in beef cattle disease prevention
topic beef cattle
breeding programs
disease prevention
genetic resistance
genomics
herd health
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/277
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AT johnkastelic applicationofgenomicselectioninbeefcattlediseaseprevention
AT vanmathykasimanickam applicationofgenomicselectioninbeefcattlediseaseprevention