This review synthesizes advances in livestock genomics by examining the interplay between candidate genes, molecular markers (MMs), signatures of selection (SSs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in shaping economically vital traits across livestock species. By integrating advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and precision breeding, the study elucidates genetic mechanisms underlying productivity, reproduction, meat quality, milk yield, fibre characteristics, disease resistance, and climate resilience traits pivotal to meeting the projected 70% surge in global animal product demand by 2050. A critical synthesis of 1455 peer-reviewed studies reveals that targeted genetic markers (e.g., SNPs, Indels) and QTL regions (e.g., IGF2 for muscle development, DGAT1 for milk composition) enable precise selection for superior phenotypes. SSs, identified through genome-wide scans and haplotype-based analyses, provide insights into domestication history, adaptive evolution, and breed-specific traits, such as heat tolerance in tropical cattle or parasite resistance in sheep. Functional candidate genes, including leptin (LEP) for feed efficiency and myostatin (MSTN) for double-muscling, are highlighted as drivers of genetic gain in breeding programs. The review underscores the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and CRISPR-based editing in accelerating trait discovery and validation. However, challenges persist, such as gene interactions, genotype–environment interactions, and ethical concerns over genetic diversity loss. By advocating for a multidisciplinary framework that merges genomic data with phenomics, metabolomics, and advanced biostatistics, this work serves as a guide for researchers, breeders, and policymakers. For example, incorporating DGAT1 markers into dairy cattle programs could elevate milk fat content by 15-20%, directly improving farm profitability. The current analysis underscores the need to harmonize high-yield breeding with ethical practices, such as conserving heat-tolerant cattle breeds, like Sahiwal.

This chapter was designed to figure out the basic knowledge about domestication, adaptation and immigration of goat breeds, with a spotlight on modern versus old strategies to enhance genetic performance along with recognizing their role in the livestock production industry with a special focus on the position adaptive selection in view of the new high technologies of investigating genome and building of selective comparison between goat breeds. Also, this chapter focused on goat production throughout the world, the vital role played by goats and the biodiversity of goat genetic resources and the special characteristics of goats under different conditions. In addition, this chapter is concerned with modern strategies to enhance goat genetic performance, including different molecular tools, besides mentioning the outcomes of utilizing advanced molecular tools in goat breeding, as well as identification of candidate genes related to important economic traits, detection of signatures of selection and quantitative trait loci, applied genome-wide association studies and the methodology of genomic selection, where the recent findings of genomic studies on goats are listed in a logical and sequential fashion.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a versatile non-traditional feed supplement rich in bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of MO leaf (MOL) polysaccharide (MOLP) intake as a natural product on broiler chicken production and antioxidant indices. A polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 182.989 kDa was isolated from MOL in a previous study. Broiler chickens were allocated at random into four groups receiving varying doses of MOLP (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg feed) for three weeks. Feed intake (FI), average daily feed ingestion (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body weight gain (BWG) were monitored. Serological markers, including total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), albumin-to-globulin ratio (ALB/GLO), creatinine (CREA), as well as the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Results from days 21 to 28 demonstrated that the high dose of MOLP significantly enhanced BWG, ADFI, liver and bursa indices compared to the control group. Additionally, TP and GLO, T-SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC and MDA levels were elevated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MOLP supplementation, particularly at 0.4 g/kg feed, positively impacted broiler chicken growth performance and antioxidant indices, suggesting its potential as a valuable feed additive.

This review provides a comparative examination of current methods for evaluating fertility and semen quality in mammals, with emphasis on livestock species. It is based on a structured search and analysis of 316 academic publications retrieved from major scientific databases, including Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and MDPI, as well as other repositories, covering literature published between 1938 and 2025. This review examines advanced semen analysis techniques, including computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems and assays for assessing chromatin integrity, DNA damage, seminal plasma composition, sperm membrane proteins, and functional parameters such as migration capacity, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, capacitation, morphology, viability, concentration, motility, and volume. Methods for semen collection are also outlined. The synthesis focuses on the comparative assessment of techniques and recent findings for major ruminant and monogastric livestock species: cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), and pigs (Sus domesticus). A brief historical overview of assisted insemination is presented, incorporating relevant procedures and managerial factors that affect fertility outcomes. Advances in genetics related to reproductive health are also discussed. This synthesis seeks to integrate existing knowledge and guide future research in reproductive science for both animal production and human medicine.