The use of gene editing techniques in dairy cattle breeding

Publication date: 23/12/2019
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Alison L. Van Eenennaam and Amy E. Young, University of California-Davis, USA

Chapter synopsis: As the global population increases and incomes rise, global demand for dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly. The dairy industry will need to produce more product with fewer resources in the face of an ever-changing climate. Gene editing could complement existing technologies to increase production, limit environmental impacts, and maximize animal welfare. This chapter examines applications of gene editing in dairy cattle and explains how genetic editing has been integrated into dairy cattle breeding programs. The chapter looks at current regulations governing gene editing and provides a detailed case study based on the breeding of polled cattle. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends and provides detailed guidance on further reading.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0058.27