High-Speed Genetics New technology rapidly and accurately replicates specific traits in cattle by Macey Mueller for the Red Angus Magazine From EPDs and artificial insemination to genomic testing and in vitro fertilization, beef producers have made tremendous advancements in genetic selection and animal reproduction technologies over the years. Now, the industry’s newest state-of-the-art reproduction tool – precision breeding – has the potential to dramatically speed up genetic improvement. Precision breeding, also known as gene editing, uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to target a region of the genome during an animal’s single-cell state to strategically alter the DNA for a specific trait. A precision-bred animal is identical to one that could occur naturally through traditional reproduction processes, but this cutting-edge innovation allows for precise, rapid and safe replication of the desired trait, rather than waiting for the trait to emerge through several generations of breeding. As a leading progressive breed organization, the Red Angus Association of America announced they will provide herdbook registry of Red Angus animals carrying gene-edited traits for heat tolerance and coat color.
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Both trait approvals by RAAA emanate from specific genetic alterations designed and submitted by Acceligen, a technology company pioneering commercialization of gene-edited Acceligen’s Tad Sonstegard and his team are currently food animals. evaluating this Red Angus heifer located in Brazil. She was made Tad Sonstegard, using precision breeding technology that created a SLICK trait, Acceligen making her more heat resistant in the tropical climate. Chief Executive Photo courtesy of The Wall Street Journal. and Scientific Officer, said red coat color and possibly even gene editing allows breeders to solve future gene-edited traits for disease long-standing animal health issues resistance through the breed can and advance the welfare and produchave a significant impact on genetic tivity of their animals in a considermanagement of animal health and ably shorter cycle than with convenwell-being. tional selective breeding. “Precision breeding technology creates new genetic and marketing opportunities for seedstock producers,” said Sonstegard. “Disseminating valuable traits like heat tolerance,
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“After thorough research and diligent questioning, RAAA is really a pioneer in accepting this technology as a breeding tool, and we are excited to collaborate with them.”
