Candidate genes and signature of selection associated with different biological aspects and general characteristics of goat

Abstract

During the last few decades, hundreds of candidate genes have been detected and identified in goat breeds. In addition, comprehensive studies have been performed on the differentiation and polymorphism of several genes along with their roles in the control and management of economic traits. In this article, the authors review the genetic studies that have been conducted on goats throughout the past three decades, along with a summary of the results of those studies in a focused manner with a discussion of the most important genes that affect different body functions such as metabolism, physiological pathways, fertility, meat production, meat quality, milk production, fibre production, adaptation… etc. The authors believe that this review opens a window for researchers who are interested in the field of animal production, especially small ruminants, whether at the genome level or candidate genes. It also preserves the time and effort required to search in dozens of researches related to this field because the authors collected pieces of important information related to those genes and the genome of goat in one work by an easy-to-follow way.