The Implications of Advanced Breeding Techniques

Summary

This report considers some of the costs and benefits of current and potential biotechnologies on the production of meat from cattle and sheep. Technologies such as artificial insemination CAI) and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOM are not seen as offering quantum changes in industry emciency. Potential improvements in these techniques are not large, but those sections of the industly that use them would welcome any small increases in emciency. The expense of laparoscoplc AI in sheep is limiting its applicability. If cervical AI in sheep with frozen semen could be used successfully, it could have some benefits. The relatively high cost of MOET, and more conservative predictions of its benefits for nucleus selection programs, limit its attractiveness.