Two Decades of Global Research Trends on Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Gene on Farm Animals: Bibliometric Analysis (2001 to 2020)

The resistance or susceptibility to various infectious and parasitic diseases is associated with the genetic polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex Class I (MHCI) gene. The extensive practice of breeding farm animals over centuries to satisfy food demand, while largely overlooking the enhancement of disease resistance through selective breeding, has resulted in a diminished genetic capacity of these animals to combat pathogens. The study seeks to understand the global research trends using published information on MHCI gene in farm animals (cattle, goats, sheep, chicken, geese, ducks, horses and donkeys), which may identify strengths and weaknesses in research initiatives directed towards finding solutions. The Year 2014 emerged as the only year with the greatest number of publications and citations. The production output of articles over time showed that the United States of America and the United Kingdom were found to be leading in this regard. Topics that involved ‘Nucleotide sequence,’ ‘genes’ and ‘MHC Class I’ were identified to be extremely underrepresented and changing quickly. Topics with high impact but with no specialisation included ‘animals,’ ‘article,’ ‘non‐human,’ ‘female,’ ‘animal,’ ‘experiment’ and ‘bovine.’ A blend of underrepresented terms and specialised ones will enhance future topics, leading to more significant research outcomes. China and Africa must establish robust collaborations to advance MHCI studies in goats.