Exploring Genetic Resistance to Mastitis in Dairy Cattle: Key Genes and Their Impact on Productivity and Reproductive Traits

Mastitis poses a significant challenge in dairy farming, leading to considerable economic losses due to diminished milk production and increased veterinary costs. This review examines the genetic factors contributing to mastitis resistance in dairy cattle, focusing on key genes such as lactoferrin (LTF), bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA), and β-lactoglobulin (BLG). These genes are instrumental in enhancing immune responses, regulating inflammation, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties, thereby mitigating the risk of mastitis. Studies indicate that specific genetic variants associated with LTF and BLG not only reduce susceptibility to mastitis but also improve productive and reproductive traits, including milk yield, composition, and fertility. The integration of these resistance genes into breeding programs presents a promising approach to enhancing herd health, optimizing milk production efficiency, and ensuring sustainable dairy farming practices. This review underscores the critical interplay between genetic resistance traits and overall dairy cattle productivity, advocating for future research to explore non-coding RNAs and gene-environment interactions that may further improve mastitis resistance strategies.