429: Could We Actually Build the Perfect Beef Cow? with Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam

Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, professor at UC Davis, joins Lauren on the Cattle USA Daily Podcast today to break down where genomics, gene editing and reproductive technology are taking the beef industry. They discuss what gene editing can realistically accomplish today, the challenges of bringing edited cattle to market, and how technologies like genomic testing and advanced reproduction can work together to accelerate genetic progress. They also dive into the value of genomic testing, why genetics alone can’t predict everything an animal will do, and what Allison would change if she could redesign the beef industry’s genetic improvement system from the ground up.

Links:

Dr. Van Eenenaam: https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/people/emeriti/alison-van-eenennaam

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Key Takeaways:

• Gene editing can introduce targeted traits like polled, disease resistance and heat tolerance
• Gene editing works best today for traits controlled by a single gene
• Genomics and reproductive technology can work together to accelerate genetic progress
• Genomic testing can add significant accuracy to young animals before they have performance data
• The return on genomic testing can be greatest for animals with many future descendants
• Genetics predict breeding value, but environment still plays a major role in animal performance
• Better data sharing across the beef chain could improve genetic predictions and profitability
• The cattle industry may be entering a major turning point in genetics and biotechnology
• Producers should evaluate genetics based on what an animal can pass on, not just how it looks
• Investing in elite genetics can create benefits that are permanent and cumulative

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam03:02 The Future of Gene Editing05:35 Genomics Meets Reproductive Technology08:57 The Challenge of Bringing Gene Editing to Market13:24 What Makes an Edited Animal Safe?15:49 Can We Build the Perfect Beef Cow?18:56 Multiplex Gene Editing24:32 Where Genomic Testing Fits30:00 Can We Predict Animal Performance?34:07 Redesigning Beef Genetics38:15 Why Genetics Matter for Profitability

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