Biotechnology. The key to improved animal production?
Biotechnology will influence the reproductive performance of cattle in a number of different ways. In animals breeding, embryo transfer has already had a significant impact on the way in which genetic selection of animals is performed. If other technologies such as embryo splitting, in vitro fertilization, cloning, and sex selection are superimposed on conventional embryo transfer, genetic gains will be achieved at an extremely rapid rate. The net result be a rapidly changing animal population in which genetic gains are maximized. Transgenic animals with altered genetic make-up will also have a dramatic effect on animal production. The general introduction of such animals will be slow and the cost to produce them will be enormous, as conventional selection and progeny testing will be needed to ensure that the "new" introduced genes are functional and do not have detrimental side effects. Simple, sensitive assays of hormones and proteins developed using biotechnology will aid in the monitoring of reproductive performance of animals.
Pashen
R
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Department of Reproduction and Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis.
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001709:Biotechnology; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005298:Fertility; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005615:Freezing; D011309:Preservation, Biological; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012098:Reproduction; D012743:Sex Preselection / Q000662:veterinary
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic