Plant & Animal Genome VI Conference

S2

WILL ANIMAL BREEDING BECOME A BIOTECHNOLOGY?

Roslin Institute, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PS, UK

Rather belatedly, the techniques of molecular genetics and embryology have started to make an impact on animal breeding. In particular the explosion of research in genomics (covered well in PAG-VI), transgenics and nuclear transfer have attracted the attention (and concern) of both industry and the public. I shall summarise the recent advances and potential future developments. I shall also assess their implications for trait refinement and new commercial opportunities and how they might be incorporated into animal breeding programmes. The attitude and structure of the industry and acceptance by the public are important for implementation of new technologies. I shall consider these issues and I conclude that Animal Breeding could well become a Biotechnology.