In recent years, genomic testing has revolutionised the way we approach livestock production and farming practices. Thanks to advances in genomics, producers now have access to more precise and data-driven tools to optimise their herds. This includes improved disease resistance, better productivity, increased genetic diversity and enhanced adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
At the heart of these developments lies a debate that has gained traction in agricultural circles: should farmers continue with traditional breeding practices, or should they turn to genetic engineering? While both approaches aim to improve livestock traits, they differ fundamentally in methodology and application.
This blog will compare and contrast traditional breeding practices with genetic engineering, evaluating the role each approach will play in the future of livestock production.
Traditional animal breeding methods
Traditional breeding involves selecting animals based on phenotypic, or observable, traits. The process relies upon natural genetic variations that exist within a breed, with the goal of enhancing desired traits over multiple generations. While this process is effective, genomic testing has enabled a much more accurate understanding of the genetic makeup of animals. By identifying specific genetic markers associated with desirable traits, genotyping allows for more targeted and efficient breeding decisions.
Genotyping doesn’t necessarily replace traditional breeding methods, but farmers can use both visual and genomic data to significantly boost genetic improvement and better predict the performance of offspring.
Genetically engineered breeding methods
Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification or GM, involves directly altering the DNA of an organism to achieve specific traits. It can be implemented by both animal and plant breeders. Unlike traditional breeding, which relies on selecting existing genetic variations, genetic engineering enables scientists to modify an organism’s genome by inserting, deleting, or changing genes at the molecular level. The genetic modification process does not depend on the natural mating of animals; instead, it can involve adding genes from entirely unrelated species to confer desirable characteristics that would not otherwise be possible through conventional breeding methods.
While genetic engineering and genotyping share a common goal of improving livestock, they are distinct processes. Genotyping involves using genetic analysis to identify and select for existing genetic variations, whereas genetic engineering allows for the direct manipulation of an animal’s genetic material. Genetic engineering is a more complex and controversial process, often involving the introduction of foreign genes, which has raised concerns among certain groups.
Examples of genetic engineering include creating livestock that are resistant to diseases such as mad cow disease or genetically modified crops that improve animal feed. However, genetic engineering has been met with both excitement and scepticism. Some view it as an opportunity to solve major agricultural challenges, while others raise concerns about the ethical implications, environmental impact, and long-term effects of altering the specific genes of an organism in such a direct manner.
Conventional breeding vs. genetically modified breeding
Methods: How they work
Traditional breeding focuses on selecting animals with desirable phenotypic traits and allowing them to reproduce naturally. This method relies on genetic diversity within species and is guided by observable traits over multiple generations. Unlike traditional breeding, which relies on selection, genetic engineering essentially creates new genetic combinations and directly manipulates the animal’s DNA to introduce new traits, some of which could never occur in nature.
Genotyping supports both of these methods, as it provides the data needed to identify desirable genetic traits in traditional breeding and, in some cases, to track the success of genetically engineered traits over time.
Ethics: Key considerations
When comparing traditional breeding and genetic engineering, one of the most critical factors to consider is ethics. Traditional breeding, while not without its own ethical dilemmas (such as inbreeding or genetic bottlenecks), is generally viewed as a natural process. However, it does raise questions about animal welfare, the impact of selective breeding on genetic diversity, and the long-term health of the livestock population.
Genetic engineering, on the other hand, introduces a set of more complex ethical concerns. Critics argue that manipulating an animal’s DNA could have unintended consequences, such as unforeseen health issues or ecological imbalances if genetically modified animals were to escape into the wild. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for “designer animals” that might prioritise traits like size or appearance over the welfare of the animals themselves.
Both methods are heavily regulated. Traditional breeding is governed by industry standards and animal welfare guidelines, while genetic engineering is subject to stringent regulatory oversight in many countries, including those in the European Union, the US, and Australia. These regulations ensure that both methods are applied responsibly and ethically, with due consideration for animal health, ecological impact, and public safety (e.g. in food production for human consumption).
Future: Evolving practices
The rise of genomics has made it possible for both traditional breeding and genetic engineering to become more accurate and advanced. With improved tools for genotyping, traditional breeding can be carried out with greater precision, allowing for faster and more reliable improvements in livestock traits.
On the other hand, genetic engineering is likely to continue evolving, with new breakthroughs potentially enabling more efficient ways to enhance animal health, productivity, and sustainability.
In the future, we may see an increasing convergence of the two methods. Genotyping could provide a better understanding of how genetic engineering might work in specific breeds or species, while genetic engineering could unlock entirely new possibilities for livestock production that complement traditional breeding methods.
XytoVet and the future of genomics
Genotyping remains an important part of achieving genetic gains in an efficient way, and as we look to the future, it will continue to play a key role in shaping how livestock are bred, managed and raised.
XytoVet is committed to helping livestock producers benefit from genotyping technology. We invite you to enquire about our DNA services.
