Animal Biotechnology

Animal biotechnology is a branch of biotechnology in which molecular biology techniques are utilized to genetically modify (i.e., alter the genome of) animals for agricultural, industrial, or pharmaceutical applications. Animal biotechnology has been utilized to create genetically engineered animals that can synthesis therapeutic proteins, develop faster, and are disease resistant. Recent advances in animal biotechnology have been aided by recent advances in animal genome sequencing, gene expression profiling, and metabolic profiling of animal cells. More recently, genome editing technologies (TALENS, Zinc Finger Nucleases, and CRISPR- Cas systems) have opened up new possibilities for creating genetic variations in animals that can improve their health, agricultural production, and disease resistance. All animals are included in animal biotechnology, including livestock, poultry, fish, insects, companion animals, and laboratory animals. An animal biotechnologist researches the effects of nutrients in feed and/or animal reproductive systems in order to create techniques for better animal health and production efficiency. In addition, animal biotechnologists will provide technical information to veterinarians and other animal health professionals, as well as keep track of procedures and farm visits. Animals are becoming increasingly involved in the advancement of biotechnology, as well as benefiting from it. When animals and biotechnology are combined, improvements are made in four areas: human health, animal health and welfare, animal product enhancements, and environmental and conservation benefits.

• Animal Biotechnology to Advance Human Health
• Animal Cloning
• Animal Genomics
• Biotechnology to Improve Animal Health
• Conservation of Environment and Animals
• Develop More Nutritious Food and Fodder
• Genetic Engineering of Animals
• Livestock Biotechnology
• Transgenic Animals