Livestock Studies 1989, Vol 29, Num, 1-4     (Pages: 107-114)

Biotechnology and livestock improvement

Orhan ALPAN 1

1 A. Ü. Veteriner Fakültesi, Zootekni Anabilim Dalı, Ankara - Biotechnology is rather a new terminology. However its applications have a long history. This is also true for livestock improvement.

The methods which have been used to improve the genetic make up of the livestock are grouped in two, namely controlled matings and selection. These methods may be considered the first applications of biotechnology. Then came the technologies of artificial insemination, super ovulation and embrio transfer.

The genetic research in the last two decades have made possible splicing and recombining the genetic material resulting new horizons in animal improvement as well. Keywords :