Tuesday 7th January 2020, 9:00am
Animal breeding could become more efficient with an approach that combines DNA-editing techniques with new reproductive technologies.
Technologies to edit the DNA of animals – known as genome editing – could improve animal welfare and performance while reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production.
Genome-editing tools are precise and cost-effective and could technically be applied on the farm, scientists say.
Using genome editing is becoming simpler thanks to the emergence of three cutting-edge reproductive technologies, known as surrogate sire technology, zygote transduction with recombinant adeno-associated virus, and zygote electroporation.
Livestock breeders could soon apply genome editing on the farm by using these new tools, which mobilise genome editing for the first time.
Risks of unintended edits have been significantly reduced in the latest genome-editing technologies. Unintended edits are detected by comprehensive screening methods and, once identified, they can be eliminated using standard breeding strategies.
The global requirement for food keeps increasing in line with a growing world population. Advanced technologies could help meet this demand while minimising environmental impact.
"Genome editing will allow breeders to improve animal welfare, performance and efficiency, paving the way to a more sustainable future. Edited DNA is regarded as safe to eat, as natural genetic edits occur frequently in nature and are thus present in the food we consume. Realising these benefits now lays in the hands of regulators."
Gus McFarlane, Research Fellow, The Roslin InstituteRoslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian EH25 9RG
