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Forum 6: Biotechnology
Conference: Forum 6: Biotechnology
Advances in Biotechnology in Livestock

Bertram Brenig, Faculty of Agriculture, University of G�ttingen, Germany
Heiner Niemann, Federal Agricultural Research Centre, Mariensee, Germany
Robert Seamark, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia

There are many possibilities for the application of bio and gene technology in animal breeding. These range from genome analysis, the explanation of genetic diseases, gene diagnostics, hereditary and identity checking to the production of transgene animals. While the first applications mentioned are generally judged positively by the general public, the deliberate manipulation of the genome is particularly controversial. "Public opinion", for example, rejects to a large extent the consumption of genetically manipulated food. This has led to the announcement of planned laws at national and international levels for compulsory labelling in such cases. Medicines which are gene-technologically produced, e.g. insulin, interferon, erythropoetin, have, in the meantime, found a large market and good public acceptance through their efficacy and comparative lack of side effects. Modern animal breeding employs modern methods of reproduction such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cryonic conservation of semen and/or embryos as a matter of course. Public reservations are not least the result of communication failure and through this, distrust of such techniques. Presentation of the opportunities and the dangers inherent in bio and gene technology within the framework of modern reproductive medicine should make a more objective awareness of such modern technologies possible.

Goals of the scientific discourse

  • Definition of the scientific and economic use of transgene farm animals today, for example, the expression of gene structure within the mammary glands of transgene animals (e.g. expression of human factor VIII in sheep mammary glands); encouraging the development of transgene cattle for production of "nutraceuticals" (food with proven probiotic properties) and pharmaceutically active proteins; transgene pigs for xenotransplantation in humans.
  • Discussion on future developments: the potential for transferring nuclei from foetal and adult cells for the modification of the genetic code of farm livestock. This includes the development of cell lines which can be used in the cloning of cattle as well as their potential for genetic manipulation. The generation of transgene cattle through nucleus transfer technique.
  • Definition of future main points in the genome analysis for the improvement of health and performance in large and small livestock. Possibilities for international co-ordination of large scale genome analysis projects.