Generation of Genome-Edited Chicken Through Targeting of Primordial Germ Cells

Genome editing technology facilitates the creation of specific and precise genetic changes to unravel gene function and rapidly transfer unique alleles between chicken breeds in contrast to lengthy traditional crossbreeding methods for the study of poultry genetics. Innovations in genome sequencing technology have made it possible to map polymorphisms associated with both monogenic and multigenic traits in livestock species. We, and many others, have demonstrated the use of genome editing to introduce specific monogenic traits in chicken through targeting of cultured primordial germ cells. In this chapter, we describe materials and protocols for performing heritable genome editing in the chicken through targeting of in vitro propagated chicken primordial germ cells.