Abstract

Genomic copy number variations (CNVs) have significantly modified genomic regions during inversions, translocations, duplications and deletions that keep shaping phenotypic variation through changes in gene dosage, regulation and transcript structure. The objective of this review was to discuss the current application of CNVs on domestication, adaptations, productions, coat colour, morphology and diseases of livestock, and also address implication of CNV on genotyping selections, limitation and in the future, directions of livestock breeding. The CNVs are a key role in generating essential variation in the livestock population and disease phenotype. The association of CNVs with phenotypic traits was utilized for the determination of feed conversion ratios in beef cattle, growth, milk production, reproduction, coat color, health, demostication and morphology. Genomic CNVs are an important type of genetic variation in livestock development in different environments. This knowledge will be extremely pertinent from a molecular perspective and practical applications of genomic CNVs in animal breeding and allowed breeders to consider genomic selection of young animals at earlier ages. However, in livestock species, there are still open questions remaining about the genome frequency of CNVs. Therefore, application of genomics CNVs in livestock breaks the bridging between breeders and livestock producers; however, there are still gaps on genotypes and overlapping genes.

Key words: Adaptation, association, production, coat color and morphology.