Gene Editing Introduced to the Farming Industry

The last 20 years has seen a great advancement in the field of genetics, as we begin to unravel the mysteries of the genome.

This month US company Recombinetics managed to edit the genomes of individual dairy cows, causing the loss of their ability to grow horns. The company was approached by farmers to improve the quality of life for the cattle (and probably the odd irritating farmer that gets too close). 
Usually the horns of dairy cows would be removed after birth, leaving large scars and often painful bruising. In the past farmers have bred hornless cows with horned cattle to mask the horned gene, but this form of selective breeding has hindered herds with the absence of many desired traits. This process of gene editing has been hailed as a major milestone in the introduction of genetic modification in the farming industry.

Gene editing is significantly different from standard genetic modification. Whilst the latter adds foreign genes or bundles of nucleotides into a genome to "transform" the organism, gene editing makes tiny tweaks - minuscule even on a genetic level - to knock out or express genes of interest. Because this technique doesn't introduce any foreign DNA, the organism isn't deemed to be a conventional GMO (Genetically Modified Organism). Taking into consideration the general mood of GMOs right now however, farmers may have to shy away from these untraditional methods for the time being. Only at the beginning of this month Scotland had made claims to formally ban all GM crops once new EU powers come into place next year.

As most farmers acknowledge themselves, the use of GMOs is becoming a necessity due to the rising level of quality produce demanded by the consumer.
GM animals is understandably significantly different scientifically and ethically, but the abundant benefits of gene editing are starting to become widely apparent. Recombinetics are now looking to tweak the DNA of other cattle breeds to tolerate harsher environments, particularly warmer and more humid climates. If they succeed, many countries with typically inapt environments would be able to access a suitable, high quality breed of cattle to boost their economies.

What do you think about GMOs and gene editing? Do you think that we should advance into the field of commerical GM animals, withdraw from genetically manipulated produce altogether, or maybe focus on another method of providing sufficient benefit in the industry, for both farmer and consumer?

Leave a comment below!



Images retrieved from http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/590x/cow-395509.jpg
 and http://www.farmersweekly.co.za/img/fwa201366134312.jpg