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New research highlights the role of genomics in improving the production, health, and resilience of sheep and goats in farming systems worldwide. The advances are featured in the latest edition of the scientific project “Genomic Insights into Sheep and Goat Breeding Efficiency”, promoted by the portal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
The breeding of small ruminants is experiencing a moment of silent transformation. As the challenges of climate change, market demands, and pressure on natural resources intensify, researchers worldwide are turning to a powerful ally: genetics.
In its second volume, the editorial project “Genomic Insights into Sheep and Goat Breeding Efficiency” gathers studies focused on how to apply genomics to improve reproductive efficiency, product quality, and resistance to environmental stress in sheep and goats. The common goal is clear: to design more precise, sustainable, and field-adapted selection programs.
One of the most relevant works published in this context is a meta-analysis reviewing over 160 previous studies on genetic parameters in sheep and goats. The study consolidates key data on heritability and genetic correlations in traits such as milk production, growth, feed intake, parasite resistance, or carcass quality.
Among the most notable findings:
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In dairy goats, the heritability of milk production ranges between 27% and 48%, confirming that genetic selection can accelerate progress without compromising other aspects.
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In dairy sheep, the values range between 21% and 33%.
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In meat sheep breeds, traits related to feed efficiency and growth also show significant heritability, between 9% and 32%, according to the study.
| But the most promising aspect comes with genetic correlations: for example, in goats, favorable relationships have been detected between low somatic cell counts (indicators of mastitis) and higher milk fat content. In sheep, simultaneous improvement in growth and parasite resistance is possible, with negative correlations of up to –0.33. |
This type of information allows progress towards multi-trait breeding programs, where it is no longer necessary to choose between health and production, between hardiness and performance. According to researchers, this represents a paradigm shift compared to previous models that prioritized only production volume.
Furthermore, the studies open the door to identifying specific functional genes, thanks to techniques such as association genomics or whole genome sequencing. All of this allows progress in early genomic selection, shortening breeding cycles, and obtaining animals better adapted to the environment and new market demands.
In a sector like that of small ruminants, traditionally lagging in terms of investment in innovation, these advances represent a strategic opportunity to modernize livestock farming without losing its local and extensive essence.
In the face of the global challenge of feeding a growing population with fewer resources and less environmental impact, genetics applied to extensive livestock farming is consolidated as a high-impact tool. Beyond laboratories, the genetic decisions made today in the field will shape the future of many farms.
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