Progress and opportunities through use of genomics in animal production

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.

Automated summary

The development of genetic and genomic technologies has played a crucial role in improving the productivity of farmed animals. By combining advanced data collection, analytics, cloud computing, appropriate infrastructure, and regulation, precision livestock farming (PLF) can be taken to an advanced level, reducing resource use, health treatments, and environmental impact, while also improving animal health and welfare.