Signatures of selection

Signatures of selection can provide fundamental insights into the genome dynamics of a species, as well as helping to define possible causative links to productivity and resilience traits in livestock.

Adaptation to local environments

Selection for enhanced productivity and resilience traits in tropical livestock requires an understanding of the links between signatures of selection, the adaptive pressures that drove (and continue to drive) these selections over time, and the resulting phenotypes – observable or measurable traits – in various livestock species.

Tools and technologies

The research use of SNP chips or “marker panels” to study signatures of selection or conduct genome wide association studies can be extended to their direct use in breeding programmes, while novel tools like gene editing can accelerate the introduction of desirable traits into herds and flocks.

Sustainable livestock systems

Research-driven advances in genomic selection will count for little unless they are locally adopted and adapted by livestock breeders and producers.