Animal
Production Gains using Animal Biotechnology Industry
Biotechnology has made significant contributions to improvements in animal
agriculture. Genetic markers and diagnostic tests have allowed for more
accurate selection of breeding stock with desirable production traits like
increased milk yields, meat quantity and quality, disease resistance, and feed
efficiency. These advances have led to global gains in overall animal
productivity.
Animal Biotechnology Industry Accelerating
Genetic Improvement
The ability to genotype animals at a young age for thousands of genetic markers
across the genome, known as genomic selection, has revolutionized traditional Animal Biotechnology breeding.
Genomic selection techniques can now identify the best animals for breeding
within their first year rather than waiting until maturity to measure actual
performance. This has accelerated genetic improvement by shortening generation
intervals. Several global animal agriculture companies now routinely utilize
genomic selection to breed cattle, pigs, and poultry with superior performance.
Precision Livestock Management
Benefiting Producers
Advances in precision livestock farming utilizing technologies like sensors,
automation, robotics, and big data analytics are allowing farms to better
monitor individual animals. Precise data on health, behavior, and production
traits can be collected and analyzed. This allows for early disease detection
as well as customized management interventions. Precision tools are helping
producers optimize nutrient utilization, improve animal welfare, reduce labor
needs, and increase overall farm efficiency and output.
Pharmaceutical Production from Livestock
Bioreactors
Biopharming research aims to produce high-value pharmaceuticals and industrial
compounds in the milk of transgenic livestock. Goats and cows have been
genetically engineered to produce recombinant proteins for potential
applications in medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. While still at an
early research stage, success in this field could see transgenic animal farms
playing an important future role in global pharmaceutical supply chains and
biomanufacturing if regulatory and public acceptance hurdles can be overcome.
Gene Editing Expanding into New Species
The advent of precise gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 is opening new doors
for applications across various livestock species. In addition to pigs, cattle,
poultry, and farmed fish, species like deer, bison, camelids (llamas/alpacas),
and aquaculture species are now targets for genomic improvements. Traits under
investigation include disease resistance, nutrient metabolism, drought
tolerance, wool/fiber quality, and more. Researchers in China and other
countries are applying these tools for conservation and commercial purposes in
new species.
Stem Cell Therapies Entering Veterinary
Practice
Exciting developments in animal stem cell research and regenerative medicine
over the past decade are starting to translate into new veterinary treatments.
Mesenchymal stem cells sourced from adipose tissue or bone marrow show promise
for orthopedic therapies in horses. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells may
someday enable custom tissue engineering solutions. Early successes with stem
cell therapies point toward future options for extending the healthy,
productive lives of agricultural animals that face injuries or genetic
conditions.
Genome Editing Controversy and
Regulation
While genome editing holds promise, its application to food animals has also generated
controversy regarding safety, risks, and unintended consequences. Most
governments, including the US FDA, still regulate genome-edited animals with an
approach similar to transgenic organisms. However, regulatory pathways
recognizing the precise nature of techniques like CRISPR are being developed.
Resolution of complex biosafety, traceability and intellectual property issues
will be important for realizing animal biotechnology’s full potential on a
global scale.
Investment and Innovation Driving Future
Growth
Animal biotechnology is attracting increased private venture capital investment
thanks to its multibillion-dollar global market potential. Digital health
platforms integrating precision technologies with genomics and predictive
analytics represent an emerging growth area.
In Summary, innovative applications of gene therapies, gene
drives, epigenetics, synthetic biology and other emerging tools leave ample
room for continued scientific advancement addressing global food security and
sustainability challenges through improved animal systems. With continued
responsible innovation and oversight, animal biotech looks poised for
sustainable long-term growth worldwide.
Get
More Insights On Animal Biotechnology
About Author
Priya Pandey is a
dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content
editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, Priya
has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes
editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and
technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya’s meticulous attention to detail and
commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content
creation and refinement.
(LinkedIn-
https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)
