Stem cell technology: Application in animal health and livestock production

Stem cells are an innovative technology in biomedical research that provide an ideal solution for animal husbandry and veterinary health problems. Stem cells have the capacity to proliferate into several cell lineages such as embryonic and somatic stem cells. Stem cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells have the capacity of regeneration and plasticity and provide an innovative approach to livestock production and translational research. Embryonic stem cells derived from fetal and adult stem cells have a widespread role in livestock health and production. Pluripotent and progenitor cell lineages derived from placenta and fetal adnexa can be used in assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine. Transgenic animals can be generated with desired characteristics from pluripotent stem cells using various reproduction methods and molecular techniques. Tissue and cell engineering using stem cell technology approaches can produce disease-resistant cattle and increase production. In developing nations where livestock species need to be of the highest genotypic characteristic and to preserve endangered species, this could be achieved by using stem cell technologies. Demands of milk and meat production are estimated to increase by as much as 80% in 2050; this cannot be achieved with conventional animal breeding systems. Livestock production can be enhanced by stem cell technology through gene targeting, nuclear transfer, animal cloning, and tissue and cell engineering. Breakthroughs in pluripotent stem cell techniques will revolutionize livestock breeding in the future. This chapter outlines the classification of stem cells as well as their uses in livestock production, regenerative therapy, genetic engineering, and translation medicine.