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Global Animal Biotechnology: Unlocking Potential Innovation

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samruddhi Kamble
Global Animal Biotechnology: Unlocking Potential Innovation

Advances in Molecular Biology


Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology have allowed scientists to better understand the genetic makeup and biological processes of animals at the molecular level. By mapping the genomes of various livestock and identifying specific genes, researchers can now manipulate genetic material with greater precision. Techniques like gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 have revolutionized how genes can be modified or "edited" to produce desired traits in animals. These advances now enable focused genetic improvements for traits that enhance productivity, disease resistance, and product quality.

Boosting Production Efficiency

One area where Animal Biotechnology can help boost efficiency is growth rate and feed efficiency. Researchers have developed genetically engineered pigs, cattle, and fish that grow faster and require less feed to reach market weight. For example, faster-growing salmon species developed using biotechnology can reach market size in 18 months rather than 30 months for conventional salmon. Similarly, biotech cows and pigs mature faster so meat, milk, and eggs can be produced using fewer resources. Some estimate growth-enhanced livestock and aquaculture species can reduce agricultural land and water use by as much as 30%. Better feed efficiency also has environmental benefits by minimizing methane emissions from animal agriculture.

Tackling Disease Challenges

A key application is developing disease resistance for major livestock pathogens. Biotechnology companies are working on genetically modified animals with in-built immunity against diseases that threaten global food security. For instance, researchers engineered pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which causes annual losses of over $600 million for US pork producers. Other research focuses on making animals resistant to influenza, salmonella, and other bacterial and viral pathogens that hamper productivity. More robust animals require less antibiotics and vaccines, reducing treatment costs for farmers and risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Addressing Climate Change Impacts

As climate change increases temperature and rainfall variability, biotechnology can engineer resilience in farm animals. Scientists are studying genes that allow animals to cope better with heat stress, drought, and other weather extremes. For example, cattle and pigs modified to be more tolerant to high temperatures could maintain productivity even as climate warms. Researchers also work on modifying ruminant digestive systems to produce less enteric methane — a potent greenhouse gas. New feed additives based on animal gut microbiomes show promise in curbing agricultural methane emissions. Since livestock accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gases, biotech solutions for methane could play a key role in climate change mitigation strategies.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

Rigorous product quality and safety standards are paramount given concerns over GMOs. Animal biotechnology aims to enhance desirable product attributes beyond just yield. For instance, researchers genetically modify cattle to produce beef with a healthier fatty acid profile by altering expression of certain genes. Biotech innovations also assure food safety — chickens are engineered to eliminate viruses from their eggs completely rather than just detect/remove contaminated eggs. Traceability is critical, and companies develop genetic biomarkers to validate identity and origin claims along supply chains. Comprehensive testing further confirms product quality and safety for consumers.

Regulatory Approval and Commercialization Challenges

While promising new technologies abound, bringing biotech animal products to market faces regulatory and commercial hurdles. Major producing regions like the US, EU and China apply strict safety assessments of genetically engineered (GE) animals under their respective biosafety laws. Approval protocols evaluate risks to both animal welfare and human health over multiple animal generations before products can be commercialized. Additionally, public acceptance of GE animals remains mixed despite scientific reassurances. Producers also encounter challenges raising capital and piloting new technologies at commercial scales. Nevertheless, as animal biotechnology proves its potential through approvals and early adoption, the industry is unlocking sustainable gains across multiple aspects of global food production. Innovation will address key challenges to feeding a growing global population amid changing climatic conditions.

biotechnology applications demonstrate significant promise for advancing global animal agriculture sustainably and productively through targeted genetic improvements and new inputs. While regulatory and market adoption hurdles exist, continuous scientific progress and demonstration of benefits will ensure this emerging field plays an important long-term role in meeting global food security needs. Strict quality, safety and traceability standards must accompany new technologies to assure social license to operate. Overall, animal biotechnology represents a vital tool for innovative problem-solving across food systems worldwide.

 

 

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About Author

Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.

(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)

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