Genetics of disease resistance in livestock: Mechanisms, genomic tools and future perspectives
Author(s): Yogendrasinh H Gadhvi, Ravindrasinh B Thakor, Jitendra M Bhutediya and Parvejkhan J Chavda
Abstract: Livestock diseases remain one of the most significant constraints to sustainable animal production worldwide, particularly in developing countries where livestock forms the backbone of rural livelihoods. Infectious, parasitic and emerging diseases reduce productivity, compromise animal welfare, threaten public health and impose heavy economic losses. Conventional disease control strategies such as vaccination, chemotherapy and biosecurity, although essential, face biological, logistical and economic limitations. Consequently, increasing attention is being directed toward exploiting the inherent ability of animals to resist, tolerate or remain resilient to disease. Advances in quantitative genetics, genomics, immune-genomics and gene-editing technologies have transformed our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and opened new avenues for breeding healthier and more resilient livestock populations. This article comprehensively reviews the concepts of disease resistance, tolerance and resilience; the economic and welfare implications of livestock diseases; limitations of conventional control strategies; genetic and genomic approaches to disease resistance; emerging technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9; and future prospects within a One Health framework. Integrating genetic improvement with sound veterinary practices is essential for achieving sustainable, climate-resilient and economically viable livestock production systems.
