<b>A review of myostatin gene mutations: Enhancing meat production and potential in livestock genetic selection</b>
Siti Rani Ayuti, Mirni Lamid, Sunaryo Hadi Warsito, Mohammad Anam Al Arif, Widya Lokapirnasari, Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada, Sugito Sugito, Muslim Akmal, Rimayanti Rimayanti, Rakhi Gangil, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Mutasem Abuzahra, Ikechukwu Benjamin Moses, Lili Anggraini
Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN) is an essential gene that regulates muscle growth and development in livestock animals, influencing meat production and carcass quality. This review looks at MSTN genetic diversity in a variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, focusing on correlations between particular mutations and phenotypic parameters such as muscle mass and growth rate. Mutations in the MSTN gene have been linked to desirable features such as greater body weight and higher meat quality, making it an ideal candidate for genetic selection in breeding programs. Animals carrying this mutation frequently transform feed into muscle more efficiently, resulting in faster growth with less feed input. This is advantageous for growers seeking to cut feed costs while raising yields. MSTN-mutated animals convert feed into muscle more efficiently, lowering production costs over time and making them more appealing for commercial breeding operations. Advances in molecular genetics, especially CRISPR-Cas9 technology, have made it possible to precisely manipulate the MSTN gene, allowing for the development of calves with enhanced muscle mass. This article also examines the effects of MSTN variation on meat production efficiency, as well as current issues in animal genetics. This research synthesis emphasizes the significance of MSTN in cattle breeding, specifically its potential as a genetic marker to improve production and meat quality in commercial farming.