Farm Animal Biotechnology as a Driver of Change

Reproduction biotechnologies have significantly improved reproductive efficiency, allowed genetic material to be transported and multiplied globally, and preserved genetic material for use in the future. The field of animal biotechnology involves the utilization of scientific and engineering principles in the processing or creation of products intended for human consumption. These methods include cloning using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques; artificial insemination (AI) using fresh, frozen, or sexed semen; embryo transfer using fresh or frozen in vivo or in vitro produced embryos; and the creation of transgenic animals. Recombinant exogenous progesterone can be used either alone or in combination with gonadotropins to artificially induce estrus. A selected male can pass on his merit to thousands of females through AI. In the shortest amount of time, more offspring can be produced from a genetically superior female using embryo production and transfer technology; cloning entails SCNT processes and the creation of transgenic animals.