Biotechnologies which could improve the reproductive management in dairy farms

Genetic improvement of farm animals has been a prime concern over the years for researchers and animal breeders. A variety of biotechnologies have been developed and applied effectively in animal production for increasing efficiency in both dairy and meat production systems. The widespread use of such biotechnologies in animal production systems has resulted in a significant effect on genetic progress (Van Vleck, 1981). Different aspects of genetic progress may be influenced by the type of biotechnology used, such as selection accuracy, generation interval, intensity of selection, and genetic variance. In the current scenario, biotechnologies are widely used in animal production to increase not only the number of animals to satisfy global demand for animal products, but also to improve propagation and maintain current levels of biodiversity and genetic diversity for endangered species (Said et al., 2020). Biotechnologies can also help to increase animal production in a variety of ways, such as increasing the rate of reproduction of domestic animals, enhancing the quantity and quality of animal products, promoting growth and improving nutrient intake efficiency, and so on. Some assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that affect the efficiency of male and female reproduction include artificial insemination (AI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovum pick-up (OPU), cloning, semen and embryos sexing, etc. These biotechnologies have a major impact on the dissemination of superior germplasm and the intensity of selection. Animal breeding and genetic improvement have been significantly influenced by the use of reproductive biotechnologies such as AI and embryo transfer technology. Alternatively, a secondary negative effect is that these biotechnologies can decrease genetic variation by affecting genetic variability indirectly. Because without genetic variation, there will be no opportunity for genetic change in the population. Another set of biotechnologies that is associated with quantitative or economical trait loci (QTL/ETL), their detection and use can help in determining animal genetic merit. Their key feature is that they are available early in life, therefore allowing more accurate selection. There are some novel biotechnologies are being used such as genome engineering, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, recombinant DNA technology, transgenesis, etc., which have high potential to transform DNA artificially to impact animal breeding in the future. A brief overview of the reproductive technologies and their impact on animal breeding that leads to genetic improvement is described in this chapter.