Progress and opportunities through use of genomics in animal production. Issue 12 (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Huw E.; Wilson, Philippe B.
• Is Part Of: Trends in genetics. Volume 38:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1228
• Page End: 1252
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: farmed animals -- genetics -- genomics -- precision livestock farming -- conservation; Genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9525

Abstract

Abstract : The rearing of farmed animals is a vital component of global food production systems, but its impact on the environment, human health, animal welfare, and biodiversity is being increasingly challenged. Developments in genetic and genomic technologies have had a key role in improving the productivity of farmed animals for decades. Advances in genome sequencing, annotation, and editing offer a means not only to continue that trend, but also, when combined with advanced data collection, analytics, cloud computing, appropriate infrastructure, and regulation, to take precision livestock farming (PLF) and conservation to an advanced level. Such an approach could generate substantial additional benefits in terms of reducing use of resources, health treatments, and environmental impact, while also improving animal health and welfare. Highlights: Advances in genetic and genomic technologies have already had a significant effect on the efficiency of selective breeding and production of livestock. The combined use of whole-genome sequencing, imputation, precision livestock farming, and cloud computing offers the potential, through breeding and nonbreeding applications, to increase the positive impacts even further and help reduce the environmental impact and use of antimicrobials and antibiotics in livestock production. Use of genome editing offers opportunities to generate additional health, welfare, and productivity benefits, but there are several challenges to be overcome before the technology can be routinely considered as an effective development option by industry. Many of the recent advances in genomics can also have a key role in helping to maintain biodiversity and conserve livestock breeds at risk of extinction, also supporting efforts to move to new ways of farming.