Did you know that genetics has a key role in livestock? In addition to directly influencing the size, weight and color of animals, it is also responsible for characteristics such as disease resistance and reproductive abilities. And to learn more about this very interesting subject, we have prepared a list with 10 surprising curiosities about genetics in livestock! Prepare to be impressed by the incredible discoveries of this field of applied science. Come on?

What is genetics in livestock?

Livestock is the branch of agriculture that is dedicated to the creation of animals for commercial purposes, with cattle farming being its main activity. Genetics in livestock aims to improve the characteristics of animals, increasing productivity and quality of meat, milk and derivatives.

Animal selection is done through controlled crossing of individuals who have the desired characteristics. The most used technique in livestock is artificial insemination, which consists of the introduction of the sperm of the bull into a female uterus through catheters.

Other assisted reproduction techniques are transferred embryos and in vitro fertilization. Artificial insemination allows the control of reproduction, since bulls are chosen based on criteria defined by the breeder, such as breed, lineage, productive skills and conformation.

In addition, there is the possibility of improving the characteristics of steers, young or calves through animal breeding genetics (GMA). GMA is also a way to optimize productive performance and benefit the quality of carcasses, milk and derivatives.

Why is genetics important for the future of livestock?

Genetics is important for the future of livestock because it can help improve breed quality, increase productivity and reduce production costs.In addition, genetics can contribute to improving animal welfare and developing new, more sustainable production techniques.

10 Amazing curiosities about genetics in livestock!

Genetics is an amazing area of study and is increasingly present in agriculture. Livestock is no exception and is already benefiting from some of the most advanced techniques of genetics. Here are 20 interesting curiosities on this topic:

1. The best way to improve the performance of dairy cows is to choose the ones that have the right DNA.
2. Intensive cattle farming has been transformed by the use of CRISPR technology for animal selection.CRISPR allows scientists to modify the DNA of animals very precisely, meaning they can choose only the desired characteristics.
3. DNA sequencing technology is enabling cattle farmers to identify cows with the best genes for milk production and other desired traits.
4. Transgenic cattle allow the characteristics of animals of different species to be inserted into the cow, creating new varieties with greater efficiency.
5. Producers can use techniques such as reproduction by artificial insemination to generate more resistant animals.
6. Breeders are also using cattle cloning to produce an animal exactly like another previously existing, but much improved genetically.
7. Farmers can use the genome of livestock to predict future behavior of animals and prevent disease.
8. FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization) is a technique used by researchers to find out which genes are linked to the desired qualities in dairy cattle.
9. Gene editing can be used to reestablish the white color in cows, improving their commercial value.
10. The breeders also use modern technologies such as computerized tomography imaging to study the inside of cows and locate health problems that can only be detected through this technique.