The use of genome editing in poultry breeding

Publication date: 20/07/2020
Extent: 18 pages

Contributions by: Maeve Ballantyne, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK; Dadakhalandar Doddamani, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK; and Michael J. McGrew, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK

Chapter synopsis: Genome editing technology permits the creation of precise changes to the genome of animal species. These changes can be as small as a single base pair change in a gene or can span several megabases of DNA. Genome editing has a potential role in animal breeding as it permits the rapid and selective transfer of beneficial alleles identified in a breeding population to high-value individuals. Moreover, the removal of recessive deleterious alleles can also be used to obtain breed improvement. The fundamental difference between genome editing and classical genetic modification techniques is that the improved genome editing animal or plant will be indistinguishable from the non-edited version of the organism. This chapter discusses the benefits and applications of genome editing tools hold for the poultry industry by improving productivity, animal welfare and environmental adaptation, along with the societal and legal challenges that will need to be addressed.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0065.29