dr. mark allen - present & future: bovine genetic & reproductive technologies

Present & Future: Bovine Genetic & Reproductive Technologies

Dr. Mark Allan

Director Marketing and Genomics

Trans Ova Genetics

The Value of Our Technology!

• By 2045 the world’s population reaches 9+ Billion

• Animal protein (milk) needs double as developing countries improve nutrition

• 70% of the increase must come from technology

Outline

• Review of genomics & genetic gain• Toolbox of Assisted Reproductive

Technologies (ART)• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Applications• Cloning Applications• Bio Medical Applications• Genetic Modified Cattle -Gene Editing • Conclusion

Why use ART?

• Assisted reproduction tools coupled with Genomic Selection will accelerate: genetic gain 2X – 8X – AI started in 1950’s– ET started in 1970’s – IVF started in 1990’s – GP/Cloning started in 1990’s – SS started in 2000’s

GG = Var x Acc x Selection Intensity Gen. Interval

The Toolbox

Embryo Transfer

In Vitro FertilizationCloning

Gene Editing

Sorted Semen

Reproductive Toolbox

Recipient Solutions

Genetic Resources

TOG’s IVF Centers and Satellite Locations

Donor & Recipient

Collection & Handling

Live Calf

IVF

• IVF provides embryo production on open, pregnant, subfertile and pre-puberal females• Best place to use Sexed Semen• More than one calf per year out of those really good cows and heifers• ….of the sex you desire most.

Transvaginal Ovum Pick-up (OPU)

Sexed Semen

•Semen can be Sexed/Sorted.•Over 90% accuracy for sex•Reverse sorted semen for IVF

1) Qualify donors via high density genomic chips

2) Collect juvenile donors4) Gestate all embryos

3) IVF with sexed semen

Today’s Elite Genetic Selection

Cloning

Why Do Dairy ProducersUse this Technology?

Maximizing Production• Multiple copies of elite animals

Continuing Influence of Compromised• Genetic donor in poor health. Cloning used to

produce a healthy bull with excellent semen production.

• Estimate >100,000 units produced

and sold domestically &internationally.

• Endangered species

Why do Beef Producers Use this Technology?

Maximizing Production from Outliers• The leading terminal sire 10 yrs.

Contributing to the Genetic Pool• Genetic Outlier that died young.

Eliminating Recessive Genes• Going back to a “free” founder.

Extending Reach of Rare Genetics• Proven performer in high demand.

What About Product Safety?

• FDA Cloning Risk Assessment (2008)o Food from clones of cattle, swine and goats are safe and do

not require any more regulation than food from conventionally produced animals.

o France, Japan, New Zealand and EFSA have had similar findings.

• Supply Chain Management Programo We operated this program from 2008 to 2012. Competitors

would not participate in our SCM.o In five years, it was never once accessed by industry. Nor

did we make one animal incentive refund.o Ineffective. Discontinued.

Additional Applications of Biotechnology

TOG also produces animals with applications in Biomedical:• Pharmaceutical production in milk

• Recombinant human albumen• Human Antibodies

• Pigs as medical models• Organ transplant• Medical devices

Genetically Enhance Crops

Genetic Engineering: Agricultural applications

Lactoferrin, Lysozyme Dairy Cattle (Mastitis Resistance,Nutraceutical)

Polled

Prion KO cattle, BSE Resistance

Influenza resistant swine

Near Future Genetic Selection

Select Juvenile donors genomic enhanced

Collect juvenile donors

IVF with sexed semen

Biopsy – freeze embryos

Screen embryos via genomic chips

Transfer selected embryos

GG = Var x Acc x Selection Intensity Gen. Interval

The value of our technologyConsumer benefits:

– Animal health via disease resistance

– Animal soundness and welfare– Animal longevity– Product quality

• Decreased external fat• Increased marbling/quality• Improved tenderness/taste• Lower somatic cell counts in milk• Selection for favorable fatty acid profile

– Decreased product cost via improved efficiency and health

– Diminished environmental footprint

– Bio-medical models, pharmaceuticals, xenotransplantation

Biotechnololgy Has Always Faced Acceptance Challenges

WHICH TECHNOLOGY DO THESE QUOTES REFERENCE?• “It is unknown what long term health consequences may unfold.

The studies are not adequate. Furthermore, this will likely not be available or cost effective for small farmers, it will decrease product acceptance and consumption, and will be catastrophic to small farming operations”.

• (Quote from the introduction of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance in 1924)

• “We are talking about the possibility of human-animal hybrids, monstrous babies and reproductive engineering” “Children conceived this way will have no soul.”

• (Quotes in 1978 following the birth of baby Louise Brown….and proceeding the birth of over 2M IVF babies)

QUESTIONS?www.transova.comwww.viagen.com