Exploring genetic variation in disease resistance among cattle herds with reference to bovine mastitis and bovine tuberculosis : a literary review

Abstract

It is clear that we are just at the beginning of understanding the contribution of genetics and genomics to disease in cattle. Despite many difficulties that lay ahead, identification of the genes and mutations responsible for variation in disease resistance could greatly enhance the efficiency of breeding animals that possess innate disease resistance. Furthermore, it will provide new tools to facilitate research into the mechanisms of infection, possibly leading to additional pharmacologic and livestock management approaches for the control of disease transmission. Finally, genetic control of animal diseases can reduce the costs associated with diseases, improve animal welfare, and provide healthy animal products to consumers, and it should be given more attention (IBEAGHA-AWEMU, et al., 2008).