During the
subsequent history of livestock, the main evolutionary forces of mutation,
selective breeding, adaptation, isolation and genetic drift have created an
enormous diversity of local populations. Organizing and documentation of basic
tools for breed characterization are the major aims of the review with the scope
of available markers. This farm animal genetic diversity has a primary
requirement to meet current production needs in various environments. In
addition, farm animal genetic diversity has a great application of allowing sustained
genetic improvement, and to facilitate rapid adaptation to changing breeding
objectives. Furthermore, animal genetic diversity provides wider range
opportunity for selection and improving. The nondescript breed could be
Identified and characterizing by morphological or/and molecular markers to know
their potential, to know their special adaptive trait and their status for
further actions (improvement, conservation). Markers are conspicuous object
used to distinguish or to show variation in population or individual level.
Morphological markers normally refer to external animal characteristics which
can be obtained by direct visual observation and measurement and used in the
identification, classification, and characterization of genetic evolution of
different species or populations. Since the measurement and identification of
animal morphological traits usually take a long time and limited application in
evaluation of qualitative traits, molecular markers have developed quickly, and
they are becoming more and more informed. Whatever data type (morphological and
molecular data) needs appropriate statistical application. In general,
diversity, markers and statistical application are the preliminary tools of
breed characterization and breed improvements.