Progress and opportunities through use of genomics in animal production

Huw E Jones; Philippe B Wilson

doi:10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.014

Progress and opportunities through use of genomics in animal production

Trends Genet. 2022 Dec;38(12):1228-1252. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.014. Epub 2022 Aug 6.

Authors

Huw E Jones¹, Philippe B Wilson²

Affiliations

¹ UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK; Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK. Electronic address: Huw.Jones@ntu.ac.uk.
² UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK; Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK.

PMID: 35945076
DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.014

Abstract

The rearing of farmed animals is a vital component of global food production systems, but its impact on the environment, human health, animal welfare, and biodiversity is being increasingly challenged. Developments in genetic and genomic technologies have had a key role in improving the productivity of farmed animals for decades. Advances in genome sequencing, annotation, and editing offer a means not only to continue that trend, but also, when combined with advanced data collection, analytics, cloud computing, appropriate infrastructure, and regulation, to take precision livestock farming (PLF) and conservation to an advanced level. Such an approach could generate substantial additional benefits in terms of reducing use of resources, health treatments, and environmental impact, while also improving animal health and welfare.

Keywords: conservation; farmed animals; genetics; genomics; precision livestock farming.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animal Husbandry*
Animal Welfare
Animals
Genome / genetics
Genomics
Humans
Livestock* / genetics