Accurate breeding of "super" animals

The "Basic Research on Molecular Biology of Agricultural Animal Genetic Breeding and Cloning" was the first 973 project in the field of animal husbandry and genetics in China. This project team is often referred to as the "national team" for agricultural animal breeding in the country. Since the 1990s, global animal breeding has transitioned into the molecular level, evolving rapidly toward changing genotypes. Animal cloning has become a central technology in this process, and the dream of creating high-quality, high-yield "super animals" has driven many agrozoological scientists, including those working on the 973 project. According to predictions from Western developed countries like the United States and the UK, as well as the FAO, up to 20% of global animal agricultural varieties in the 21st century will be developed through molecular breeding, with genetic improvements contributing over 50% to overall production. Variety improvement is the key to advancing animal agriculture, and the development of superior breeds directly impacts production efficiency. With better breeds and faster propagation techniques, more output can be achieved with the same investment. In response to questions about the contribution of animal genetics and breeding using molecular technologies, Li Ning highlighted that genetic and breeding advancements have played a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity. According to a 1996 USDA report, variety improvement ranked highest among all technological contributions, accounting for 40%, far surpassing other factors such as nutrition (20%), disease control (15%), and breeding practices (10%). This explains why developed countries invest heavily in animal genetic research. Western governments, large-scale breeding companies, and scientists predicted early in the century the potential of genome research to enhance agricultural species. For example, milk production in developed countries has increased from 9,000 kg to an expected 18,000 kg by 2015, while China's current level is only 6,000 kg. Similarly, daily weight gain in pigs has risen from 550 g/day to 1,600 g/day in developed countries. If China can adopt these genomic advances, it could double its aquaculture output without increasing inputs. Since 2000, the 973 project has focused on three main areas: functional genomics of economic traits, mechanisms behind super-high-yield breeding, and the molecular basis of cloning. The project involved multiple institutions, including China Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and initially had nine sub-topics that were later consolidated into six. The first part involves basic genomic research to identify functional genes related to yield and quality. The second focuses on applying these findings to improve productivity, while the third explores rapid propagation through cloning. These parts are interconnected, with each building on the foundation of the previous one. The project also established a comprehensive resource bank, collecting DNA samples from hundreds of breeds across China. This effort included 9,000 animal samples from 22 provinces, covering pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and even dogs and wolves. This data provides critical insights into the evolution and domestication of agricultural animals, contributing to both national conservation efforts and global evolutionary studies. In terms of cloning, the team made significant breakthroughs, including successful heterogeneous cloning between different species. These achievements not only advance scientific understanding but also offer new possibilities for preserving endangered species and developing new breeds. After five years, the project produced numerous results, including 634 papers, 245 SCI-indexed publications, 9 invention patents, and 13 awards. It also trained a large number of researchers, enhancing China’s capabilities in this field. Looking ahead, the team plans to focus on pigs and chickens, which make up the majority of farmed livestock. With new ideas and young researchers returning from abroad, the future of animal molecular breeding and cloning in China looks promising, aiming to boost productivity, quality, and sustainability in the 21st century.

Normal Foam Dressing

Normal Foam Dressing,Foam Wound Dressing Bandage,Silver Foam Dressing,Foam Wound Dressing

Roosin Medical Co.,Ltd , https://www.roosinmedical.com