Current and Future Promises of Transgenesis for Agricultural Livestock in a Global Marketplace

Abstract

This paper addresses the context of decisions about the application of biotechnology in livestock agriculture. It specifically addresses the role of transgenic livestock in agriculture. Key innovations in livestock genetics and reproductive technology in the last century have laid the foundations upon which genetic engineering can be applied to livestock in the post-genomics era. Transgenesis is not an end in itself; its only justification in agriculture is to benefit the quality of life of man, or animals, or to achieve better use of environmental resources. Comparisons are drawn with the successes of agronomic biotechnology and contrasts with the structure and biology of the livestock and crop industries. Tools for highly efficient gene introduction in livestock are now available. Transgenic traits can now be superimposed on elite selected livestock genetics, but will have to prove their efficacy and economic worth in the context of herds owned by diverse producers. Transgenic manipulation of livestock can facilitate precision agriculture, minimizing the use of antibiotics and pesticides, and can bring increased efficiency to the processing industry. Criteria for selection of valuable transgenes are discussed, including biologic function and compatibility with market infrastructure. Some useful transgenes will target production; others will offer new products. Transgenesis offers a new paradigm in disease control and can assist in preserving genetic diversity. Outside agriculture, transgenic livestock have an important role in biopharmaceutical production. Biotechnology, including transgenic livestock, will play a key role in meeting the challenge of feeding the world population, while creating and maintaining sustainable agricultural systems.