Advances in livestock genetics: enhancing breeding practices and improving animal health

Authors: Wilson, Carrie; CESAR, ALINE - Federal University Of Sao Paulo; DE REZENDE, FERNANDA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Frontiers in Genetics
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2026
Publication Date: 7/27/2026
Citation: Wilson, C.S., Cesar, A.S., De Rezende, F.M. 2026. Advances in livestock genetics: enhancing breeding practices and improving animal health. Frontiers in Genetics. 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2026.1932330.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2026.1932330

Interpretive Summary: As livestock genetics and genomics research moves forward, new technologies and traits of interest have emerged that are motivated by the goals of improving animal productivity, enhancing animal health, and gaining a greater understanding of functional traits. Our definition of the livestock industry continues to expand beyond traditional species, as this Research Topic demonstrates, including research ranging from meat rabbits to “insects as food and feed”. The 15 manuscripts in this Research Topic cover eight species and a multitude of modern and visionary technologies to better understand traits of interest, including the Breed-of-Origin (BOA) effects in beef cattle and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) in rabbits.

Technical Abstract: As our capacity for genetic and genomic evaluation continues to expand, it is important to remain focused on understanding traits of economic and biological importance and translating this knowledge into strategies that promote genetic improvement while enhancing animal well-being and health. The manuscripts included in this Research Topic serve to further understanding of trait function through RNA technology, genomic selection for improved animal health, methods to understand and increase genetic diversity, and strategies to group traits so that we can begin to understand the vast amount of data that we are collecting. This Research Topic highlights the growing importance of methodological advances integrating genetics, genomics, and systems biology to address major challenges facing the current livestock production. As global demand for animal-derived foods continues to increase alongside concerns related to animal health, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and food security, innovative breeding strategies have become essential. The studies gathered in this collection demonstrate how advanced genomic technologies and functional analyses can accelerate genetic improvement, support precision livestock farming, and enhance the development of healthier, more resilient, and resource-efficient production systems. This is an exciting time to be involved in livestock genetics and genomics research, and we hope this Research Topic inspires researchers to explore novel methods and continue improving breeding practices and animal health. Collectively, these contributions provide valuable scientific knowledge while strengthening the bridge between fundamental research and practical applications for the future of sustainable animal agriculture.