Genomic selection and Genome editing in animal breeding
Shivani Das
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Email – shivanidas093120@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The use of genome editing and genomic selection is changing the face of animal breeding since it allows for more targeted genetic improvements. GS improves the accuracy of selection and speeds up genetic progress by using genotypic information to forecast breeding values. GE enables the precise editing of the genome through technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, resulting in the introduction of desirable features and the reduction of unfavourable ones. Animal breeding might undergo a radical shift with the incorporation of GS and GE, leading to improvements in sustainability, productivity, and animal welfare. With the ability to influence the course of animal production in the future, this review explores the present state, obstacles, and prospective future paths of GS and GE in animal breeding.
Keywords: Genomic selection, Animal breeding, Genome editing
INTRODUCTION
Recent developments in genomics, genetics, and biotechnology have caused a sea change in animal breeding. Genomic editing (GE) and genomic selection (GS) are two groundbreaking methods that are changing the face of animal breeding. Numerous livestock species have embraced GS, which allows for increased selection accuracy and faster genetic development by using genotypic information to forecast breeding values. At the same time, genetic engineering tools like CRISPR/Cas9 are enabling breeders to introduce desired features while eliminating unwanted ones through precise genome editing. A new era of possibilities for improving animal welfare, sustainability, and production has opened up with the combination of genetic engineering and genetic selection (GS/GE). This paper seeks to offer a synopsis of where GS and GE stand in the field of animal breeding, including their present state, obstacles, and potential future developments.
Genome editing: As a biotechnological tool, genome editing or gene editing enables researchers to precisely alter an organism’s DNA sequence. Specialised enzymes that can cut, alter, and repair DNA at precise sites are used to achieve this.
Genome editing has revolutionised animal breeding by making genetic improvements more efficient and accurate. Scientists can improve animal populations by introducing desirable features like faster growth rates, greater disease resistance, and higher fertility using techniques like CRISPR/Cas9. Breeders can also improve animal welfare through genome editing by eliminating undesired features like genetic diseases or birth abnormalities. In addition, genome editing can shorten breeding cycles by making selective breeding more efficient, which allows for more rapid and precise genetic advancement. Genome editing could ultimately lead to a dramatic shift in animal breeding practices, ushering in a new era of healthier, more productive, and environmentally friendly livestock. The ability to modify genomic sites with unprecedented specificity and accuracy has been demonstrated by genome editing. Productivity, disease resistance, breeding efficiency, and the creation of new animal models could all benefit from the use of these instruments. In recent times, advancements in designer nucleases such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) have made genome editing in various animal species very efficient and easy. Although ZFNs employ a distinct protein-DNA recognition mechanism, they both utilise the FokI nuclease and require dimers. TALEN is made up of a FokI nuclease and a modular array of TAL recognition sequences. A total of 300 pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats have been successfully generated through the application of these editing technologies in the last five years.
Credit to www.mdpi.com
Genomic selection: Animal breeders employ genomic selection (GS) to choose offspring with desirable characteristics. One part of it is predicting an animal’s genetic value for certain features using genetic markers like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Because it allows breeders to make better-informed decisions, Genomic Selection (GS) has changed animal breeding forever. Breeders are able to more accurately identify exceptional animals with the use of GS, which increases the accuracy of selection by using genetic markers to forecast an animal’s genetic value. Because breeders can now more effectively pick for desirable features, genetic development is accelerated. Multiple genes influence complex qualities including fertility, disease resistance, and feed efficiency; GS also improves selection for these traits. The genetic profile of an animal can help breeders choose offspring that are more likely to have desired characteristics. This allows for more precise selections, which improves the overall quality of the breeding program while decreasing the likelihood of unexpected effects. Saving time and money is another benefit of using GS in animal breeding. The use of GS helps breeders save time and money by decreasing the frequency of progeny testing. Improved animal welfare and a decrease in the prevalence of hereditary diseases are two additional benefits of genetic screening (GS). In sum, genetic engineering (GS) is a game-changer in animal breeding, helping scientists create animals that are better for the environment, healthier for humans, and more productive.
Credit to genomebiology.biomedcentral.com
CONCLUSION
Breeding animals has never been more exciting than with the advent of hybrid techniques that combine Genomic Selection (GS) with Genome Editing (GE). More accurate decisions, faster genetic development, and more effective introduction of desirable traits into animal populations are all possible thanks to genomics and gene editing. Although there are still certain problems that need fixing, there’s no denying that GS and GE could be useful in animal breeding. Better animal care, more sustainability, and more output in animal agriculture are all on the horizon thanks to these rapidly developing technology. In the long run, improving global food security and reshaping animal breeding will be heavily influenced by the strategic use of genetic engineering and genetic selection.
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