Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review

Danayit Alem; Helen Aklilu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

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Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review

Danayit Alem^*

, Helen Aklilu

Published in Bioprocess Engineering (Volume 9, Issue 1)

Received: 3 January 2025 Accepted: 27 February 2025 Published: 21 March 2025

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Abstract

Genetic improvement in livestock has played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and generating economic benefits worldwide. However, intensive selection for high-yield traits has often led to a reduction in genetic diversity and the erosion of indigenous breeds, thereby compromising ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. This review critically examines the dual challenge of achieving rapid genetic gains while preserving the biodiversity essential for adaptive capacity in livestock populations. By synthesizing recent advances in genomic technologies—including genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with traditional breeding methods that emphasize the conservation of local genetic resources, the paper highlights the unique adaptive traits inherent in indigenous breeds. Special attention is given to sustainable breeding programs, effective policy interventions, and community-based conservation strategies as integral components of a balanced approach. The analysis outlines a comprehensive framework that reconciles the demands of enhanced productivity with the imperative of biodiversity preservation, ultimately supporting both economic development and environmental stewardship. This integrated perspective offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to implement sustainable livestock systems in the face of global challenges.

Published in	Bioprocess Engineering (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
Page(s)	36-43
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Biodiversity, Conservation, Genetic Improvement, Indigenous Breeds

References

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APA Style

Alem, D., Aklilu, H. (2025). Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Engineering, 9(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

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ACS Style

Alem, D.; Aklilu, H. Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Eng. 2025, 9(1), 36-43. doi: 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

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AMA Style

Alem D, Aklilu H. Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Eng. 2025;9(1):36-43. doi: 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

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@article{10.11648/j.be.20250901.14,
  author = {Danayit Alem and Helen Aklilu},
  title = {Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review
},
  journal = {Bioprocess Engineering},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {36-43},
  doi = {10.11648/j.be.20250901.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.be.20250901.14},
  abstract = {Genetic improvement in livestock has played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and generating economic benefits worldwide. However, intensive selection for high-yield traits has often led to a reduction in genetic diversity and the erosion of indigenous breeds, thereby compromising ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. This review critically examines the dual challenge of achieving rapid genetic gains while preserving the biodiversity essential for adaptive capacity in livestock populations. By synthesizing recent advances in genomic technologies—including genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with traditional breeding methods that emphasize the conservation of local genetic resources, the paper highlights the unique adaptive traits inherent in indigenous breeds. Special attention is given to sustainable breeding programs, effective policy interventions, and community-based conservation strategies as integral components of a balanced approach. The analysis outlines a comprehensive framework that reconciles the demands of enhanced productivity with the imperative of biodiversity preservation, ultimately supporting both economic development and environmental stewardship. This integrated perspective offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to implement sustainable livestock systems in the face of global challenges.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review

AU  - Danayit Alem
AU  - Helen Aklilu
Y1  - 2025/03/21
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
T2  - Bioprocess Engineering
JF  - Bioprocess Engineering
JO  - Bioprocess Engineering
SP  - 36
EP  - 43
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-8701
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
AB  - Genetic improvement in livestock has played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and generating economic benefits worldwide. However, intensive selection for high-yield traits has often led to a reduction in genetic diversity and the erosion of indigenous breeds, thereby compromising ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. This review critically examines the dual challenge of achieving rapid genetic gains while preserving the biodiversity essential for adaptive capacity in livestock populations. By synthesizing recent advances in genomic technologies—including genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with traditional breeding methods that emphasize the conservation of local genetic resources, the paper highlights the unique adaptive traits inherent in indigenous breeds. Special attention is given to sustainable breeding programs, effective policy interventions, and community-based conservation strategies as integral components of a balanced approach. The analysis outlines a comprehensive framework that reconciles the demands of enhanced productivity with the imperative of biodiversity preservation, ultimately supporting both economic development and environmental stewardship. This integrated perspective offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to implement sustainable livestock systems in the face of global challenges.

VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Danayit Alem

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta Research Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-7932-0723
Helen Aklilu

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta Research Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-7952-7740

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APA Style

Alem, D., Aklilu, H. (2025). Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Engineering, 9(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Alem, D.; Aklilu, H. Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Eng. 2025, 9(1), 36-43. doi: 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Alem D, Aklilu H. Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review. Bioprocess Eng. 2025;9(1):36-43. doi: 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.be.20250901.14,
  author = {Danayit Alem and Helen Aklilu},
  title = {Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review
},
  journal = {Bioprocess Engineering},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {36-43},
  doi = {10.11648/j.be.20250901.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.be.20250901.14},
  abstract = {Genetic improvement in livestock has played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and generating economic benefits worldwide. However, intensive selection for high-yield traits has often led to a reduction in genetic diversity and the erosion of indigenous breeds, thereby compromising ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. This review critically examines the dual challenge of achieving rapid genetic gains while preserving the biodiversity essential for adaptive capacity in livestock populations. By synthesizing recent advances in genomic technologies—including genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with traditional breeding methods that emphasize the conservation of local genetic resources, the paper highlights the unique adaptive traits inherent in indigenous breeds. Special attention is given to sustainable breeding programs, effective policy interventions, and community-based conservation strategies as integral components of a balanced approach. The analysis outlines a comprehensive framework that reconciles the demands of enhanced productivity with the imperative of biodiversity preservation, ultimately supporting both economic development and environmental stewardship. This integrated perspective offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to implement sustainable livestock systems in the face of global challenges.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Balancing Genetic Improvement with Conservation of Biodiversity a Review

AU  - Danayit Alem
AU  - Helen Aklilu
Y1  - 2025/03/21
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
T2  - Bioprocess Engineering
JF  - Bioprocess Engineering
JO  - Bioprocess Engineering
SP  - 36
EP  - 43
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-8701
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.be.20250901.14
AB  - Genetic improvement in livestock has played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and generating economic benefits worldwide. However, intensive selection for high-yield traits has often led to a reduction in genetic diversity and the erosion of indigenous breeds, thereby compromising ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. This review critically examines the dual challenge of achieving rapid genetic gains while preserving the biodiversity essential for adaptive capacity in livestock populations. By synthesizing recent advances in genomic technologies—including genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with traditional breeding methods that emphasize the conservation of local genetic resources, the paper highlights the unique adaptive traits inherent in indigenous breeds. Special attention is given to sustainable breeding programs, effective policy interventions, and community-based conservation strategies as integral components of a balanced approach. The analysis outlines a comprehensive framework that reconciles the demands of enhanced productivity with the imperative of biodiversity preservation, ultimately supporting both economic development and environmental stewardship. This integrated perspective offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to implement sustainable livestock systems in the face of global challenges.

VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download