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Biotechnology and Livestock Production

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2017

A. J. Webb*
Affiliation:
Cotswold International, Rothwell, Market Rasen, Lincoln LN7 6BJ, UK
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Extract

For over thirty years livestock improvement programmes have exploited mainly statistical technology for the process of selective breeding. This has been safe, non-controversial, and highly cost-effective. The present revolution in knowledge of DNA now offers the possibility of much faster change in a wider range of traits, including meat quality and disease resistance which are difficult to measure in the live animal. However this new technology presents a threat as well as an opportunity. This paper examines the possible role of the new technology in genetic improvement, and considers the scientific strategy that the industry should adopt.

Type
Invited Theatre Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 2001

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