Genomics and reproductive biotechnologies in goat production systems in Peru

Abstract

Goat production in Peru is primarily carried out under extensive systems shaped by climatic variability, forage seasonality, infrastructure limitations, and persistent sanitary pressure. In this context, Creole goats represent a strategic animal genetic resource due to their capacity to adapt to arid and high-Andean environments. This review integrates the available evidence on production typologies in the main goat-producing regions of the country, the major sanitary and structural bottlenecks, and the state of the art of genomic, multi-omics, and reproductive biotechnology tools applicable to goats. It discusses how the transition from traditional markers to SNP genotyping, together with functional approaches such as microbiome analysis, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can contribute to understanding the biological basis of complex traits related to resilience, feed efficiency, and reproductive performance. Likewise, the potential of precision livestock farming to generate longitudinal phenotypes and strengthen genetic improvement programs in low-input systems is highlighted. Finally, priorities and considerations are outlined to advance the integration of phenotyping, genomics, and reproductive biotechnologies in extensive contexts, with emphasis on the generation of systematic data, interinstitutional coordination, and technology transfer aimed at the sustainability and conservation of goat resources. These insights may also inform genetic improvement strategies in other developing countries facing similar environmental and structural constraints in low-input goat production systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.