Summary:
- Researchers have identified that intensive selective breeding for specific production traits in cattle has led to a significant loss of genetic diversity within modern herds.
- The study highlights that this reduction in the gene pool increases the risk of susceptibility to diseases and limits the ability of livestock to adapt to environmental changes, such as those driven by climate change.
- The findings suggest that integrating traditional, diverse cattle breeds into breeding programs is essential for long-term food security and the biological resilience of the global cattle population.