Copy Number Variations: A Key Factor in Genetic Variation and Phenotypic Expression

Copy number variations (CNVs) are a crucial component of genomic diversity, characterized by the deletion or duplication of DNA segments that influence gene expression and phenotypic variation. These structural variations impact a wide range of biological traits, playing a significant role in disease susceptibility, growth and productivity across species. In livestock and poultry, CNVs have been associated with economically important traits such as disease resistance, reproduction, milk yield, meat quality and feed efficiency, offering new opportunities for improving genetic selection and breeding programs.