Advancing Yak Breeding in China: Harnessing Genetic Resources and Marker-Assisted Selection for Improved Production Traits.

Yak breeding plays a crucial role in sustaining livestock production and ensuring the livelihoods of communities in the mountainous regions of China. With the aim of improving production traits in yaks, this study explores the potential of harnessing genetic diversity and marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques. The genetic diversity of yak populations is a valuable resource that can be tapped into to enhance desirable traits such as meat quality, milk yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to harsh environments. This study emphasizes the importance of conducting comprehensive genetic characterization of yak populations across different regions in China to identify unique genetic variations and breed-specific traits. Furthermore, the integration of MAS techniques can facilitate the selection of superior individuals for breeding programs. By identifying and utilizing genetic markers associated with desired traits, breeding strategies can be optimized, resulting in accelerated genetic improvement. Various molecular markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), microsatellites, and candidate genes, can aid in the identification of economically important traits in yaks. The availability of high-throughput genotyping technologies and advanced statistical models further support the efficient implementation of MAS in yak breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]