Modern Reproductive Technologies to Improve Cattle Production

Abstract

Cattle contribute significantly to the global supply of animal-derived proteins which are an important part of a well-balanced human diet.  With the human population increasing by 1 billion people every 13 years, there will be an estimated 9.6 billion people on planet Earth by the year 2050. To attain global food security the amount of available food will need to double between now and then. Enhancing reproductive efficiency is a prerequisite for boosting production of meat and milk from cattle, and, fortunately, an arsenal of modern reproductive technologies is available to assist with that effort. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of reproductive biotechnologies that can bolster the efficient production of meat and milk from cattle. Protocols for synchronization of estrus and synchronization of ovulation facilitate more efficient artificial insemination using conventional or sex-sorted semen. In vivo and in vitro production of preimplantation embryos from genetically superior females enable creation of multiple offspring with high production potential. Biochemical and ultrasonographic methods for pregnancy testing identify non-pregnant females that can be re-mated or sold to prevent wastage of valuable feed resources. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is used to create copies of highly productive animals, and genome editing of zygotes provides a novel opportunity to selectively enhance the genetic makeup of cattle for the benefit of animal and human health. Wise use of these reproductive technologies will increase food production from cattle and will help alleviate world hunger.