Enhancing Disease Resistance in Dairy Cattle through Genetic Improvement and Selective Breeding Strategies

Abstract

Improving disease resistance in dairy cattle is essential for sustainable livestock production, animal welfare, and economic efficiency. This study focuses on the role of genetic improvement and selective breeding strategies in enhancing the natural immunity of dairy herds. Traditional breeding methods, combined with modern genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, enable the identification and propagation of disease-resistant traits. Traits associated with resistance to common diseases like mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and parasitic infections are increasingly being incorporated into breeding objectives alongside milk yield and quality. Advances in molecular genetics, including the use of DNA markers and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), have accelerated the accuracy and speed of selection. Furthermore, integrating health records, phenotypic data, and genomic information allows for more precise breeding decisions. The adoption of these strategies reduces dependence on antibiotics, lowers veterinary costs, and improves overall herd productivity. However, challenges such as maintaining genetic diversity, balancing production and health traits, and the need for infrastructure and data management remain significant. This study highlights the importance of a holistic breeding approach that combines traditional knowledge with advanced biotechnological tools to develop disease-resilient dairy cattle populations for the future.