Sheep News: Scientists search for bare-bum sheep gene
All this talk about mulesing lately...
In the future cutting-edge genetic engineering may replace cutting-ass technology called mulesing. Both designed to prevent flystrike with sheep.
Scientists are hoping to identify the gene or genes which resulted in "bare-bum" sheep on a South Australian merino stud, with hopes it can be replicated across the industry.
The genetic mutation on the Eyre Peninsula resulted in a ram that was completely bare in the crutch and hind leg area.
Professor Phil Hynd from the University of Adelaide says he has no doubts that genetics is the answer to the ethical dilemma of mulesing sheep.
"We want to get away from chemical use as much as possible in the sheep industry," he said.
"The chemical mulesing that we're developing at Adelaide University with Australian Wool Innovation is, as I see it, a stop-gap measure.
"When mulesing's banned in 2009, we need something to replace it."
Professor Hynd says the aim now is to identify the bare-bum gene and to see if it is present in other sheep flocks.
"Genetic solutions are always slow, even with markers, but we would hope that if this is a dominant gene or at least a small cluster of genes that we can identify, we should be able to start making big impacts on the industry over a 10 to 15 year period," he said.
Article found at ABC News Online - Sci Tech News 21/03/2005 Scientists search for bare-bum sheep gene
1 comment:
You don't like genetic mutation? That is like saying: I do not like evolution, I do not like species, I do not like being human, I'd rather still be a one cell protozoön. Genetic mutation is a natural process.
You probably mean genetic engineering. We can start endless ethical discussions about it, but I won't. Mostly people are against genetic engineering, because of their ignorance and negative propaganda by environmental organisations.
Just two points: with breeding (the old fashioned way of altering genome) you select on some apparent features (let's say thick fur), but neglect others that come with it. That is why many breeds of dogs have hip problems or high chances of cancer or other diseases. With genetic engineering you know precisely what you are incoroporating. Not all effects may be known, but in lots of cases it is a very distinct feature you are altering and controlling.
Without genetic engineering you would not have the flowers you have in your home, not the tomato's, not the insuline. Toxic plastics would circle around the earth for decades and lots of medicines can not be made. Everybody is afread of new technology they do not understand. The human body was not supposed to be able to cope with the extreme acceleration of steam trains. Turned out to be otherwise...
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