About the project
Project Manager
Orynkhanov Kanat
Candidate of Veterinary Medicine
Scopus Author ID: 56983046100
Researcher ID: co/rid97599
ORCID: 0000 0001 6736 0498
Relevance
The proposed research project is aimed at studying the genetic diversity, population structure, adaptation mechanisms and the general genetic potential of the modern population of Kazakhstani camels. This study aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the genetic makeup of Kazakhstani camels by conducting advanced genome-wide sequencing (WGS) on a representative sample of animals and providing a solid foundation for genetic improvement programs, conservation efforts, the creation of an elite breeding core and the future successful development of the traditional camel sector in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
There are two main camel species in Kazakhstan: Bactrian (double-humped) and dromedary (single-humped), which live in different ecological zones and often interbreed on the same farms. Camels are a traditional and important type of farm animal in the country due to their endurance in arid conditions and contribution to the local economy through milk and meat production. However, current camel breeding practices do not include genetic assessment, which leads to ineffective breeding programs and maintenance. In addition, the growing demand for camel milk, especially from dromedaries, has led to the import of camels and their breeding without scientific guidance. The lack of genomic data on Kazakhstani camels hinders the development of structured breeding programs to improve economically significant traits such as milk yield and growth rate. Moreover, the impact of environmental changes such as global warming, which threatens camel populations, requires a better understanding of their genetic adaptation. Despite the historical and economic importance of camels, there is still no established breeding program in Kazakhstan and there is limited understanding of their genomic profile, structure, diversity and genetic potential in general.
Aim
The main goal of the project is to use WGS technology to analyze the genomic profile, genetic diversity, population structure and overall genetic potential of Kazakhstani camels, identifying genomic regions associated with adaptation. This will provide the basis for breeding programs aimed at increasing camel productivity and endurance, which will contribute to the sustainable development of camel breeding and conservation efforts in Kazakhstan. The project combines genomics, bioinformatics, animal science and environmental science to solve the problems faced by camel farmers and breeders in Kazakhstan.
Expected and Achieved Results
The main expected result of this camel genomics project is significant progress in understanding the population structure, genetic diversity, genetic mechanisms underlying adaptivity, and the overall genetic potential of Kazakh camels.
For the first time, a comprehensive genomic dataset will be generated, which will be used as a reference population of Kazakh camels. It will be used for the implantation of low-density panel genotypes into high-density SNP genotypes, which is useful not only for further genomic research, but also to reduce genotyping costs, and, consequently, to promote genomic breeding programs for Kazakh camels. In addition, a publicly accessible genomic database containing SNPs will be created, as well as haplotypes and structural variants. The results of population structure and genomic diversity will form the basis of detailed guidance for breeding and conservation efforts, especially for maintaining genetic diversity in modern Kazakh camel populations. The selection trace part of the study will identify genome regions and markers useful for the development of commercial SNP microarrays.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals:
-at least 3 (three) articles and/or reviews in peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science database and/or having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 50 (fifty);
- at least 1 patent for an invention (including a positive decision on it);
- at least 2 (two) articles or reviews in a peer-reviewed foreign or domestic publication recommended by the KOKNVO;
Based on the results of the project (in the relevant field of science):
- preparation of at least 1 (one) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a doctor in the profile (it is allowed to study together with students who have a license for postgraduate education in doctoral studies). At the same time, it is possible to defend a dissertation no later than 2 (two) years after the completion of the project;
This project will help preserve the genetic diversity in the camel population of Kazakhstan by identifying the level of inbreeding and thereby preventing depression and economic losses due to inbreeding on camel farms.
Information for Potential Users
Camel farmers and breeders
The project is aimed at solving practical problems faced by agricultural producers in Kazakhstan.
Genomic selection: Farmers will have access to genomic selection tools (for example, cost-effective SNP microarrays) that will allow them to select animals with the best genetic potential at an early age.
Increased productivity: Using the research results will help improve economically significant indicators such as milk yield, growth rate, and meat quality.
Economic benefits: The introduction of evidence-based breeding programs is expected to increase profitability and open up new economic opportunities for local farms.
Tribal organizations and associations
Breeding strategies: Organizations will receive a comprehensive plan and scientifically based recommendations for the breeding and conservation of Kazakhstani camels.
Gene pool control: The results will allow for better control of the level of inbreeding (related crossbreeding) and preserve the genetic diversity of unique ecotypes.
Creation of an elite core: The research lays the foundation for the formation of an elite breeding core of Kazakhstani camels.
Scientific community (local and international)
A unique dataset: The first comprehensive set of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from Kazakhstani camels will be created, which will become a "reference population" for future research.
New knowledge about adaptation: Scientists will receive data on the genetic mechanisms of camel adaptation to extreme climatic conditions (heat, cold, drought).
International cooperation: The project will allow Kazakhstani institutions to become one of the world leaders in camel genomics research and participate in global projects.
Government agencies and the agricultural sector
Food security: Improving livestock productivity directly contributes to socio-economic development and strengthening food security in the country.
Modernization of the industry: The project promotes the transformation of traditional camel farming into a modern sector based on genomic technologies.
Resilience to climate change: Identifying signs of resilience will help the industry adapt to global warming and other environmental challenges.
Practical results for use:
Recommendations: Instructions for farmers and associations on effective breeding.
Breeding markers: A list of genetic markers (SNPs) associated with high productivity and adaptation.
Patents: Possible patent protection of new genetic markers for breeding.
Project Team
1. Ussenbekov Yessengali
Candidate of Biological Sciences, professor
Scopus Author ID: 56465995700
Researcher ID: rid93491
ORCID: 0000 0001 9508 4179
2. Niyazbekova Zhannur
PhD
Scopus Author ID: 57219625341
ORCID: 0000-0002-8556-0212
3. Muslimova Zhadyra
PhD
Scopus Author ID: 58820604900
Researcher ID: co/rid97596
ORCID: 0000-0003-3485-7240
4. Bagdat Aigerim
PhD, junior research assistant
Scopus Author ID: 57577615400
ORCID: 0000-0001-9825-6132
5. Baimirzayev Bekzat
Master of Veterinary Sciences
ORCID: 0009-0001-0923-4511
6. Makhanbetuly Nursultan
Master of Veterinary Sciences
ORCID: 0000-0002-9433-302X