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REVIEW article

Front. Vet. Sci.
Sec. Livestock Genomics
Volume 11 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1366128

Exploring Genetic Resources and trends of Omics Applications in Donkey Research: A Focus on China

Provisionally accepted
Muhammad Z. Khan Muhammad Z. Khan 1*Chen Wenting Chen Wenting 2*Wenqiong Chai Wenqiong Chai 1*Lin Wei Lin Wei 1*Bingjian Huang Bingjian Huang 2*Liu Xiaotong Liu Xiaotong 2Xiyan Kou Xiyan Kou 1*Xinrui Wang Xinrui Wang 2*Zhenwei Zhang Zhenwei Zhang 1*Adnan Khan Adnan Khan 3Changfa Wang Changfa Wang 2*
  • 1 Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
  • 2 Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
  • 3 Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China, Shenzhen, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Omics methodologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, Lipidomics and microbiomics, have revolutionized biological research by allowing comprehensive molecular analysis in livestock animals. However, despite being widely used in various animal species, research on donkeys has been notably scarce. China, renowned for its rich history in donkey husbandry, plays a pivotal role in their conservation and utilization. China boasts 24 distinct donkey breeds, necessitating conservation efforts, especially for smaller breeds facing extinction threats. So far, omics approaches have been employed in studies of donkey milk and meat, shedding light on their composition and quality. Similarly, omics methods have been utilized to explore the molecular basis associated with donkey growth, meat production, and quality traits. Omics analysis has also unraveled the critical role of donkey microbiota in health and nutrition, with gut microbiome studies revealing associations with factors such as pregnancy, age, transportation stress, and altitude. Furthermore, omics applications have addressed donkey health issues, including infectious diseases and reproductive problems. Furthermore, these applications have also provided insights into the improvement of donkey reproductive efficiency research. In conclusion, omics methodologies are essential for advancing knowledge about donkeys, their genetic diversity, and their applications across various domains. However, omics research in donkeys is still in its infancy, and there is a need for continued research to enhance donkey breeding, production, and welfare in China and beyond.

    Keywords: Omics application, donkey breeds, Genetic resources, production traits, Reproductive Traits, microbiota, molecular breeding

    Received: 05 Jan 2024; Accepted: 12 Sep 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Khan, Wenting, Chai, Wei, Huang, Xiaotong, Kou, Wang, Zhang, Khan and Wang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Muhammad Z. Khan, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Chen Wenting, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Wenqiong Chai, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Lin Wei, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Bingjian Huang, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Xiyan Kou, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Xinrui Wang, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Zhenwei Zhang, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China
    Changfa Wang, Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China

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