Genetic in utero sex reversal – polled cattle – slick hair gene

The almighty human mind with new inventions:

Scientists have made the discovery of technology called CRISPR/Cas 9. This technology allows for making changes to the DNA of cells. Basically – science can reprogram cells and accelerate desired traits much faster than through selctive breeding. No new gentic material is introduced but rather the exisiting cellular “programming” is changed.

Animal industry benefits – swine industry:

One example is in pigs – acitve research is taking place to make pigs resistant to viral diseases such as PRRS ( Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome). Another use would be to eliminate pigs being carriers for African Swine fever. This would stop active transmission of this disease.

Changing of population trends – e.g. invasive feral pig population control. CRISPR/Cas9 could aid by making sows infertile and therby reducing the evergrowing threat of feral pigs. Feral pigs destroy natural ecosystems, farm land and carry 89 diseases.

Examples and uses would make a long list.

Animal industry – dairy cattle industry :

In cattle, gene editing has already been in use to produce hornless/polled cattle. This aids in reducing farm work load, deductions at slaughter and harming animals while in transport ( no more bruising from fighting). In this case, a welfare concern is also removed.

The use of sexed semen has become widespread in the dairy industry to produce only female offspring. If breeds want to retain the gene pool, male populations ( bulls) are needed. This bottle neck of narrowing the already inbred geenpool of some breeds could be approached differently:

What if it was possible to use gene editing to make all calves female in utero! This is a novel concept – production of female offspring later down the line of the chain of life.

Another really interesting gene in the cattle world and use in hot climate is the slick hair gene – check out the below article:

https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/gene-editing-could-improve-heat-tolerance

Examples of use for CRISPR/Cas technology are literally endless and one`s imagination is the only limit.