Episode 47 – Gene editing cows for disease resistance
BVD is a significant problem in the dairy industry. In this episode we talk to the US-based scientist who carried out a world first by gene editing BVD resistance into a bovine embryo, cloning it and producing a live BVD resistant calf. Also hear more about LIC’s new partnership in an American gene editing project.
Guests include:
- Dr Aspen Workman, scientist, US Meat Animal Research Center
- Emma Blott, general manager commercial, LIC
- Jason Schrier, international dairy development manager, LIC
Hosts:
- Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
- Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter
Dr Aspen Workman from the US Meat Animal Research Center, is the lead researcher in a project that led to the world’s first gene edited, BVD resistant cow. Ginger was born in July 2021, and is now due to have her own calf this month.
- Read more about this study here.
LIC is a partner in a gene editing project, providing embryos that will be gene edited in the US to include the Slick gene for improved heat tolerance. The embryos will also be gene edited for BVD resistance along with resistance against two other diseases. Semen from resulting bulls will be used in Sub-Saharan Africa as part of the overall project, being funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
