Genomics and Biotechnological Advancements in Fisheries, Poultry

Biotechnological advancements have started gaining importance for subsidizing conventional breeding strategies to the latest cost-effective techniques that enhance the yield and are robust. This effort aims at showcasing the different strategies adapted to bring up the production curve in fisheries, poultry and livestock by using the latest biotechnological assays and procedures. A better understanding of disease resiliency in animals and increasing the growth rate of fish, domestic animals and poultry birds can help cope with the increased demand for milk, meat, eggs and proteins worldwide. The genome engineering tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, single nucleotide polymorphism, somatic cell nuclear transfer, zinc-finger nucleases, Sperm Transfection–Assisted Gene Editing (STAGE) and cloning, possess the ability to alter the genome either by knocking in or knocking out of the genes for better selection of the breeds. Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) are devised using the gene markers without prior knowledge of the exact gene location across the chromosome. These predictive values help in gene insertion or gene deletion in the host. The breeding programmes initiative can bring up advantages by managing the resources and growing the yield. The biotechnology applications should be incorporated with progressing customary reproducing and improvement programs to meet the growing challenge of feeding the population of 9 billion.

Keywords: CRISPR-cas9, Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), Sperm transfection–assisted gene editing (STAGE).