Application of gene-editing in livestock – updates and prospects

Abstract

Genetic improvements are essential for sustainable production in livestock. Traditionally, genetic selection has been based on phenotypes related to efficient production or economically valuable traits; livestock has been bred for these traits to enhance profit. For instance, cattle have been selectively bred to produce more meat or more milk, and pigs have been crossed to improve productivity, reproductive traits, and resistance to diseases. These breeding programs have utilized the natural genetic variation present in an animal population. On the other hand, genetic engineering technology can precisely modify a genome to improve genetic value of livestock.1 The approach can selectively edit genetic traits without segregating other economically valuable traits seen in breeding-based genetic improvements; therefore, the approach can dramatically reduce the genetic value of livestock with a minimum number of breedings. Success of genetic engineering in livestock has been historically low due to technical challenges. However, the recent development of gene-editing technology allows these modifications to be highly efficient.