ViaGen Preserving and Multiplying Superior Genetics

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Summary: While the potential for cloning animals has been realized for at least the last 25 years, it is only recently that sufficient advances have been made to allow the technology to advance to a stage where it is possible that widespread commercial applications of cloning may become a reality in the next few years. But much has yet to be accomplished before the farming of cloned animals and their offspring become as familiar as genetically modified plants are today. From a practical point of view, cloning could be used to increase the number, distribution, and availability of cows and bulls with superior genetics for increased milk yield, increased availability of stock with resistance to common diseases like mastitis, and increased availability of stock with desirable genetic traits associated with milk quality. Using a spreadsheet model of a “typical” dairy operation and simulation techniques, this study shows that the revenues generated by increased growth in milk production per cow were substantial and that producers may be willing to invest in such a technology. It was also found that the net present value (NPV) generated by the stream of increased net revenues created by the increased milk yields varied widely and depended on the genetic gains achieved relative to the price of the genetically superior animals. The increase in NPV from break-even is relatively rapid and indicates that there may be conditions under which dairy producers find it justifiable and profitable to invest in advanced breeding technologies like cloning in order to improve the genetic superiority of the herd.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced its newest conference, the Livestock Biotech Summit, scheduled for September 28-30, 2010, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Focused on “Developing global solutions through animal biotechnology”, the conference will include workshops on the use and care of animals in research as well as the latest applications and benefits of genetically engineered animals.

“This is the first time we’ve done a conference like this,” said Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, executive vice president of Food and Agriculture at BIO, “With all the recent advances in both biomedical and food applications, there is no better time than now to hold this important event.” 

During three days of cross cutting discussions among industry, academic and government leaders, topics such as the regulatory process for genetically engineered (GE) animals and public and private funding opportunities will be covered.  Expert panels will focus on the science and benefits of GE agricultural animals for both food and biomedical applications as well as the regulatory hurdles and other challenges to advancing the technology.

The first day and a half of the conference includes a workshop by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC 101) and an interactive program and presentation on the newly revised Ag Guide. The last half of the conference switches to lively sessions around such topics as real life case studies of products weaving their way through the regulatory process and funding opportunities for animal biotechnology research.

BIO is pleased to acknowledge the support provided by the Livestock Biotech Summit sponsors, which include:
AAALAC International
Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care – USDA
Hematech, Inc.
Office of Lab Animal Welfare (OLAW) – National Institutes of Health
South Dakota State University
Trans Ova Genetics
University of Illinois
ViaGen, Inc.

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