Gene editing in beef cattle
Posted on June 5, 2024
Source: Farm Progress. The original article is posted here.
Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a powerful tool for editing genomes. It allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. These “intended alterations” accomplished through editing are another potential tool in the tool box of cattle breeders. This technology is primarily useful for simply inherited traits (influenced at one locus of the genome).
CRISPR technology has many potential applications that facilitate sustainability, animal welfare and efficiency. These include:
The opportunity to repair deleterious genetic conditions
The opportunity to introduce naturally occurring useful alleles into breed germplasm. Specifically, to potentially bring a useful gene from one breed to another breed.
Introduce traits that change sex ratio of heifers versus bulls.
Enable breeding schemes to accelerate genetic progress
Gene edits for disease resistance
As of now, the successful gene edits accomplished in cattle include:
The first gene edited beef calf with reduced susceptibility to a major viral pathogen, Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)
Knock out of the Myostatin gene to increase lean muscle yield
Intraspecies Polled allele substitution
Intraspecies Slick hair allele and gene for diluted coat color to improve heat tolerance
The use of this technology in the United States beef industry likely hinges on the regulatory framework imposed. On a global basis, this varies dramatically from country to country. The future of genome editing will likely be governed by the development of a fit-for-purpose, risk-based regulatory framework that fosters innovation, supports trade, creates profit potential and promotes public acceptance.
Clark County Feeders is a BQA Certified 655-acre feed yard and grain storage facility specializing in beef cattle custom feeding and grain purchase, storage and sales.
