What Role Will Animal Biotechnology Play in Feeding the World? - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Animal Genomics & Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, University of California - Davis, from the 2013 NIAA Merging Values and Technology conference, April 15-17, 2013, Louisville, KY, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2013-niaa-merging-values-and-technology
Postharvest Loss Reduction & Mycotoxins programs in USAID’s Feed the Future I...Francois Stepman
Ahmed Kablan, Ph.D.
International Nutrition & Public Health Adviser
USAID /Bureau For Food Security/Office of Agriculture Research and Policy
USDA/ARS/Office of International Research Program
VS FMD Strategy - Beth Lautner, DVM MS, USDA, APHIS, VS, from the 2014 NIAA Annual Conference titled 'The Precautionary Principle: How Agriculture Will Thrive', March 31 - April 2, 2014, Omaha, NE, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2014_niaa_how_animal_agriculture_will_thrive
Biocontrol of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts with Aflasafe GH01 and Aflas...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Agbetiameh D., Ortega-Beltran A., Elzein A., Atehnkeng J., Awuah R.T., Cotty P. and Bandyopadhyay R. for the AfrIca RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 30 March–1 April 2016
Biotech 2019 - Leveraging Advances in Industrial Biotechnology in the Cellula...David Welch
The utilization of animal stem cells to grow muscle and fat tissues in vitro for consumption, dubbed “cell-based meat,” offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform animal agriculture and produce meat in a humane and sustainable way. This nascent, interdisciplinary industry intersects cell biology, tissue engineering, biochemical engineering, and food science, with tangential impacts on issues relating to environmental science, human health, and regulatory policies. This talk will provide an industry snapshot and highlight the current challenges to scaling cell-based meat production, focusing on the needs and opportunities for industrial biotechnology to participate in the development of new tools, resources, or optimizations required to reach price parity with traditional animal meat. Finally, applications for industrial biotechnology in the broader "cellular agriculture" fields will be discussed.
Postharvest Loss Reduction & Mycotoxins programs in USAID’s Feed the Future I...Francois Stepman
Ahmed Kablan, Ph.D.
International Nutrition & Public Health Adviser
USAID /Bureau For Food Security/Office of Agriculture Research and Policy
USDA/ARS/Office of International Research Program
VS FMD Strategy - Beth Lautner, DVM MS, USDA, APHIS, VS, from the 2014 NIAA Annual Conference titled 'The Precautionary Principle: How Agriculture Will Thrive', March 31 - April 2, 2014, Omaha, NE, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2014_niaa_how_animal_agriculture_will_thrive
Biocontrol of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts with Aflasafe GH01 and Aflas...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Agbetiameh D., Ortega-Beltran A., Elzein A., Atehnkeng J., Awuah R.T., Cotty P. and Bandyopadhyay R. for the AfrIca RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 30 March–1 April 2016
Biotech 2019 - Leveraging Advances in Industrial Biotechnology in the Cellula...David Welch
The utilization of animal stem cells to grow muscle and fat tissues in vitro for consumption, dubbed “cell-based meat,” offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform animal agriculture and produce meat in a humane and sustainable way. This nascent, interdisciplinary industry intersects cell biology, tissue engineering, biochemical engineering, and food science, with tangential impacts on issues relating to environmental science, human health, and regulatory policies. This talk will provide an industry snapshot and highlight the current challenges to scaling cell-based meat production, focusing on the needs and opportunities for industrial biotechnology to participate in the development of new tools, resources, or optimizations required to reach price parity with traditional animal meat. Finally, applications for industrial biotechnology in the broader "cellular agriculture" fields will be discussed.
Currently, Europe’s high demand for feed protein is largely met through imported soya. Around 80 percent of crop proteins per year are imported, with 60 percent used for livestock feed.
Assessment of aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize and awareness of aflatoxins...ILRI
Presentation by Hu Suk Lee, Xuan Nguyen Thi Thanh, Thuy Nguyen Thi Thanh, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Johanna Lindahl and Delia Grace at the Ecohealth 2018 conference, Cali, Colombia, 15–18 August 2018.
Emerging opportunities in the alternative protein sectorDavid Welch
An overview of emerging opportunities and white space ideas in the alternative protein sector. This talk covers three technology areas within alternative proteins:
1. plant-based meat, egg, and dairy
2. utilizing microbial fermentation as an enabling technology
3. cultivated meat (also known as cultured meat and clean meat)
A recording of the webinar is available at: https://youtu.be/DA3wYmLtM1s
The future of food: business opportunities in alternative proteinsDavid Welch
A presentation given to the Coller School of Management
Coller Ignite program to provide an overview of alternative protein technologies, highlighting key white space business opportunities
Dr. Jason Ross - Improving Sow SurvivabilityJohn Blue
Improving Sow Survivability - Dr. Jason Ross, Iowa State University, From the 2018 World Pork Expo, June 6 - 8, 2018, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2018-world-pork-expo
Performance of indigenous guinea fowls (numidameleagris) fed direct-fed micro...africa-rising
Poster prepared by G.K. Sarfo, A. Larbi, A. Donkoh and J.A. Hamidu for the AfrIca RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 30 March–1 April 2016
Dr. David Leger - The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistanc...John Blue
The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: Building a Voluntary Farm Surveillance Framework - Dr. David Leger, Veterinary Epidemiologist, Public Health Agency of Canada, from the 2014 NIAA Symposium on Antibiotics Use and Resistance: Moving Forward Through Shared Stewardship, November 12-14, 2014, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2014-niaa-antibiotics-moving-forward-through-shared-stewardship
Current Research in Genomic Selection- Dr. Joe DaltonDAIReXNET
Dr. Dalton presented this material for a DAIReXNET webinar. You can view the recorded webinar on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1jb8WY8lk
FEED FOCUS: Animal feeding in the future: reaching genetic potential through ...Milling and Grain magazine
In the last decade, animal protein production has faced all-time record high commodities prices, the occurrence of serious diseases such as avian influenza (e.g. H7N9), porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED), food scares, salmonella in dairy farming and campylobacter in chickens. Each of which is related to the increased intensification of farming, but can be mostly attributed to authorities' ability to analyse for contaminents at even lower levels. Indeed, the ability to detect polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals and mycotoxins in feedstuffs has never been more sensitive, making us aware of risks we never used to imagine.
Fermentation is the future of alternative proteinDavid Welch
A presentation from a webinar done in collaboration with the Israeli Fermentation Association. This presentation provides an overview of using fermentation for protein production or plant-based meat, egg, and dairy and cultivated meat product enhancement. Both biomass and specific ingredient production are discussed.
A recording of the webinar is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qdenf4d-S-U
Impact tech: Opportunities in Clean Meat and Cellular Agriculture by Liz SpechtImpact.Tech
Slides from the Impact.tech seminar on Opportunities in Clean Meat and Cellular Agriculture. The seminar was taught by Liz Specht, a Senior Scientist with the Good Food Institute. The Good Food Institute is a non-profit organization advancing plant-based and clean meat food technology.
Cellular agriculture is an interdisciplinary branch of science at the intersection of medicine and farming. Cellular agriculture capitalizes on breakthroughs in tissue-engineering, material sciences, bioengineering, and synthetic biology to design new ways of producing existing agricultural products like milk, meat, fragrances, and rhino horn from cells and microorganisms [instead of whole animals].
Aflatoxin Management in Food Crops for the Global Markettitilayofalade
Aflatoxin contamination creates limitation to good health, trade in premium markets and in international markets. Strategies for aflatoxin management including the use of Aflasafe were presented at a one-day sensitization workshop by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture organised by the National Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria.
Currently, Europe’s high demand for feed protein is largely met through imported soya. Around 80 percent of crop proteins per year are imported, with 60 percent used for livestock feed.
Assessment of aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize and awareness of aflatoxins...ILRI
Presentation by Hu Suk Lee, Xuan Nguyen Thi Thanh, Thuy Nguyen Thi Thanh, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Johanna Lindahl and Delia Grace at the Ecohealth 2018 conference, Cali, Colombia, 15–18 August 2018.
Emerging opportunities in the alternative protein sectorDavid Welch
An overview of emerging opportunities and white space ideas in the alternative protein sector. This talk covers three technology areas within alternative proteins:
1. plant-based meat, egg, and dairy
2. utilizing microbial fermentation as an enabling technology
3. cultivated meat (also known as cultured meat and clean meat)
A recording of the webinar is available at: https://youtu.be/DA3wYmLtM1s
The future of food: business opportunities in alternative proteinsDavid Welch
A presentation given to the Coller School of Management
Coller Ignite program to provide an overview of alternative protein technologies, highlighting key white space business opportunities
Dr. Jason Ross - Improving Sow SurvivabilityJohn Blue
Improving Sow Survivability - Dr. Jason Ross, Iowa State University, From the 2018 World Pork Expo, June 6 - 8, 2018, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2018-world-pork-expo
Performance of indigenous guinea fowls (numidameleagris) fed direct-fed micro...africa-rising
Poster prepared by G.K. Sarfo, A. Larbi, A. Donkoh and J.A. Hamidu for the AfrIca RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 30 March–1 April 2016
Dr. David Leger - The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistanc...John Blue
The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: Building a Voluntary Farm Surveillance Framework - Dr. David Leger, Veterinary Epidemiologist, Public Health Agency of Canada, from the 2014 NIAA Symposium on Antibiotics Use and Resistance: Moving Forward Through Shared Stewardship, November 12-14, 2014, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2014-niaa-antibiotics-moving-forward-through-shared-stewardship
Current Research in Genomic Selection- Dr. Joe DaltonDAIReXNET
Dr. Dalton presented this material for a DAIReXNET webinar. You can view the recorded webinar on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1jb8WY8lk
FEED FOCUS: Animal feeding in the future: reaching genetic potential through ...Milling and Grain magazine
In the last decade, animal protein production has faced all-time record high commodities prices, the occurrence of serious diseases such as avian influenza (e.g. H7N9), porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED), food scares, salmonella in dairy farming and campylobacter in chickens. Each of which is related to the increased intensification of farming, but can be mostly attributed to authorities' ability to analyse for contaminents at even lower levels. Indeed, the ability to detect polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals and mycotoxins in feedstuffs has never been more sensitive, making us aware of risks we never used to imagine.
Fermentation is the future of alternative proteinDavid Welch
A presentation from a webinar done in collaboration with the Israeli Fermentation Association. This presentation provides an overview of using fermentation for protein production or plant-based meat, egg, and dairy and cultivated meat product enhancement. Both biomass and specific ingredient production are discussed.
A recording of the webinar is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qdenf4d-S-U
Impact tech: Opportunities in Clean Meat and Cellular Agriculture by Liz SpechtImpact.Tech
Slides from the Impact.tech seminar on Opportunities in Clean Meat and Cellular Agriculture. The seminar was taught by Liz Specht, a Senior Scientist with the Good Food Institute. The Good Food Institute is a non-profit organization advancing plant-based and clean meat food technology.
Cellular agriculture is an interdisciplinary branch of science at the intersection of medicine and farming. Cellular agriculture capitalizes on breakthroughs in tissue-engineering, material sciences, bioengineering, and synthetic biology to design new ways of producing existing agricultural products like milk, meat, fragrances, and rhino horn from cells and microorganisms [instead of whole animals].
Aflatoxin Management in Food Crops for the Global Markettitilayofalade
Aflatoxin contamination creates limitation to good health, trade in premium markets and in international markets. Strategies for aflatoxin management including the use of Aflasafe were presented at a one-day sensitization workshop by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture organised by the National Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria.
Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam - Can Biotechnology Bring Home the Bacon? - Without ...John Blue
Can Biotechnology Bring Home the Bacon? - Without Netflix Clip - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California, Davis, from the 2017 North American PRRS/National Swine Improvement Federation Joint Meeting, December 1‐3, 2017, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2017-north-american-prrs-nsif-joint-meeting
This presentation was delivered to a group from Kansas Farm Bureau in Wichita KS, October 14, 2016. The main theme is how do ag producers communicate what they do using a values-based approach. How can we better discuss farming science and technology, including the seeds used in growing cattle feed and human food products.
Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam - The GMO Debate: Twenty Years of Animal Health and ...John Blue
The GMO Debate: Twenty Years of Animal Health and Livestock Feeding Studies - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, USA, from the 2016 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, September 17-20, 2016, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2016-leman-swine-conference-material
Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam - Were Those the Days? Animal Ag Then & NowJohn Blue
Were Those the Days? Animal Ag Then & Now - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Animal Genomics and Biotechnology, University of California, Davis, From the 2018 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, Protect Your Roots, May 3 - 4, 2018, Arlington, VA, USA.
More presentations at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xWTLbiBMQQi8L_WHIWcjA
Dr. Mark Allen - Present & Future: Bovine Genetic & Reproductive TechnologiesJohn Blue
Present & Future: Bovine Genetic & Reproductive Technologies - Dr. Mark Allan, Director Marketing and Genomics, Trans Ova Genetics, from the 2014 NIAA Annual Conference titled 'The Precautionary Principle: How Agriculture Will Thrive', March 31 - April 2, 2014, Omaha, NE, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2014_niaa_how_animal_agriculture_will_thrive
The use of genetic engineering technology in animals has been associated with ethical issues, some of which relate to animal welfare. Discuss examples of genetically engineered animals and evaluate the ethical concerns of genetic engineering.
Dr. Roger Cady - Sustainability Research Review: EnoughJohn Blue
Sustainability Research Review: Enough - Dr. Roger Cady, Sr. Technical Consultant, Global Sustainability Lead, Elanco, from the 2016 Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), October 5 - 6, 2016, Banff, Alberta, Canada.
More presentations at http://trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2016-global-roundtable-sustainable-beef
Were those the days? Agriculture Then and NowJohn Blue
Were those the days? Agriculture Then and Now - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California, Davis, from the 2019 Iowa Pork Congress, January 23 - 24, 2019, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFNbfee_Rq3AfAFTRpuCrQ
This was the presentation given at the Trottier Symposium in Montreal, Canada, September 27, 2015. The session was "A Question of Evidence" and discussed major scientific topics of public controversy.
Environmental Consequences of Genetically-Modified Foods, Biopharming and rBGHJack Olmsted
Martin Donohoe, MD, FACP
Portland State University
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
With thanks to Rick North, Project Director, Campaign for Safe Food
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
Dr. Eric Gingerich - Salmonella enteritidis (SE) Surveillance Program: Applic...John Blue
Salmonella enteritidis (SE) Surveillance Program: Applications and Lessons Learned - Dr. Eric Gingerich, Poultry Technical Services Specialist, Diamond V, from the 2012 Annual Conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, March 26 - 29, Denver, CO, USA.
More presentations at: http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2012-decreasing-resources-increasing-regulation-advance-animal-agriculture
Jordan Hoewischer - OACI Farmer Certification ProgramJohn Blue
OACI Farmer Certification Program - Jordan Hoewischer, Ohio Farm Bureau, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Fred Yoder - No-till and Climate Change: Fact, Fiction, and IgnoranceJohn Blue
No-till and Climate Change: Fact, Fiction, and Ignorance - Fred Yoder, Former President, National Corn Growers Association, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. John Grove - Fifty Years Of No-till Research In KentuckyJohn Blue
Fifty Years Of No-till Research In Kentucky - Dr. John Grove, Univerity of Kentucky, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Warren Dick - Pioneering No-till Research Since 1962John Blue
Pioneering No-till Research Since 1962 - Dr. Warren Dick, OSU-OARDC (retired), from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Christine Sprunger - The role that roots play in building soil organic ma...John Blue
The role that roots play in building soil organic matter and soil health - Dr. Christine Sprunger, OSU - SENR, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Leonardo Deiss - Stratification, the Role of Roots, and Yield Trends afte...John Blue
Stratification, the Role of Roots, and Yield Trends after 60 years of No-till - Dr. Leonardo Deiss, OSU, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Steve Culman - No-Till Yield Data AnalysisJohn Blue
No-Till Yield Data Analysis - Dr. Steve Culman, OSU Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Alan Sundermeier and Dr. Vinayak Shedekar - Soil biological Response to BMPs John Blue
Soil biological Response to BMPs - Alan Sundermeier, OSU Extension, and Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, USDA-ARS, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Curtis Young - Attracting And Protecting PollinatorsJohn Blue
Attracting And Protecting Pollinators - Dr. Curtis Young, OSU Extension, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Sarah Noggle - Cover Crop Decision Tool SelectorJohn Blue
Cover Crop Decision Tool Selector - Sarah Noggle, OSU Extension, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Hemp Regulations - Jim Belt, ODA, Head of Hemp for Ohio, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
John Barker - UAVs: Where Are We And What's NextJohn Blue
UAVs: Where Are We And What's Next - John Barker, OSU Extension, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Rajbir Bajwa - Medical uses of MarijuanaJohn Blue
Medical uses of Marijuana - Dr. Rajbir Bajwa, Coordinator of legal medical marijuana sales, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Jeff Stachler - Setting up a Corn and Soybean Herbicide Program with Cove...John Blue
Setting up a Corn and Soybean Herbicide Program with Cover Crops - Dr. Jeff Stachler, OSU Extension, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Chad Penn - Developing A New Approach To Soil Phosphorus Testing And Reco...John Blue
Developing A New Approach To Soil Phosphorus Testing And Recommendations - Dr. Chad Penn, USDA-ARS, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Jim Hoorman - Dealing with Cover Crops after Preventative PlantingJohn Blue
Dealing with Cover Crops after Preventative Planting - Jim Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Sjoerd Duiker - Dealing with Poor Soil Structure and Soil Compaction John Blue
Dealing with Poor Soil Structure and Soil Compaction - Dr. Sjoerd Duiker, Extension Agronomist, Penn State University, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Christine Brown - Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water QualityJohn Blue
Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water Quality - Christine Brown, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
Dr. Lee Briese - Details Matter (includes details about soil, equipment, cove...John Blue
Details Matter (includes details about soil, equipment, cover crops...) - Dr. Lee Briese, North Dakota, 2017 International Crop Adviser of the Year, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...
Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam - What Role Will Animal Biotechnology Play in Feeding the World?
1. Animal Genomics and Biotechnology EducationAnimal Genomics and Biotechnology Education
What role will animal biotechnology
play in feeding the world?
Alison Van Eenennaam Ph.D.Alison Van Eenennaam Ph.D.
Cooperative Extension SpecialistCooperative Extension Specialist
Animal Biotechnology and GenomicsAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics
Department of Animal ScienceDepartment of Animal Science
University of California, DavisUniversity of California, Davis
alvaneenennaam@ucdavis.edualvaneenennaam@ucdavis.edu
http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/animalbiotechhttp://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/animalbiotech
“The mission of the animal
genomics and biotechnology
extension program is to provide
broad, science-based extension
programming on the uses of animal
biotechnologies in livestock
production systems.”
2. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Convention on Biological Diversity: “Convention on Biological Diversity: “BiotechnologyBiotechnology isis
any technological application that uses biologicalany technological application that uses biological
systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof tosystems, living organisms or derivatives thereof to
make or modify products or processes for specific use.”make or modify products or processes for specific use.”
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
Genetics/breedin
g
Nutrition Health
Artificial insemination Feed additives: Amino acids,
enzymes & probiotics
Molecular diagnostics
Progesterone monitoring Prebiotics Recombinant vaccines
Estrus synchronization Silage additives (enzymes and
microbial inoculants)
Conventional vaccines
Invito fetilization and
embryo transfer
Ionophores Sterile insect technique
(SIT)
Molecular markers;
genomic selection
Single cell proteins Bioinformatics
Cryopreservation Solid state fermentation of
lignocellulosics
Semen and embryo sexing Recombinant somatotropins GREEN = Potential for
generating impact
(time frame <10 years)
Cloning Molecular gut microbiology
Transgenesis
Ortiz, Rodomiro. 2010. Agricultural Biotechnologies in Developing Countries: Options and Opportunities in Crops,
Forestry, Livestock, Fisheries and Agro-Industry to Face the Challenges of Food Insecurity and Climate Change.
4. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation (born 1965)
>80,000 daughters, 2.3 million granddaughters,
and 6.5 million great-granddaughters
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
VanRaden, P.M. (2007). Improving Animals Each Generation by Selecting from the Best Gene
Sources. Available: http://aipl.arsusda.gov/publish/other/2007/Duke07_pvr.pdf.
5. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationVan Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
1944: 25.6 million animals; total annual milk production of 53.1 billion
kg. 1997: 9.2 million animals; total annual milk production of 84.2
billion kg.
About half of this 369% increase in production efficiency
is attributable to genetic improvement enabled by AI
VandeHaar, M.J. and St-Pierre, N. (2006). Major Advances in Nutrition: Relevance to the
Sustainability of the Dairy Industry. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 1280-1291.
A
I
6. Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
Resource use and waste outputs from modern US dairy
production systems typical of the year 2007, compared with
historical US dairying (characteristic of the year 1944).
GHG = Greenhouse
gas
7. Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
Average annual milk yield and carbon footprint per kg
milk - across global regions. Data adapted from FAO.,
8. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Current status of animal biotechnologies
and factors influencing their applicability
in developing countries - GENETICS
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
Extent of
use
Public and
government
acceptance
Current
technical
capability
for using
technology
Infrastructure
and materials
and tools
available for
using
technology
Relative
cost
Skills
required for
application
Potential for
generating
impact (time
frame <10
years)
ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION ++ +++ ++ ++ ++ ++ +++
PROGESTERONE
MONITORING + +++ + + ++ ++ ++
ESTRUS
SYNCHRONIZATION + +++ + + ++ ++ ++
IN VITRO
FERTILIZATION/
EMBRYO TRANSFER
+ +++ + + +++ +++ ++
MOLECULAR
MARKERS + +++ + + ++ +++ +
CRYOPRESERVATION
+ +++ ++ + ++ +++ ++
SEMEN AND EMBRYO
SEXING + +++ + + +++ ++ ++
CLONING
+ + + + +++ +++ +
TRANSGENESIS/GE
0 + + + +++ +++ +
10. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
GE Chickens That Don't Transmit
Bird Flu
Breakthrough could prevent future bird flu epidemics
www.roslin.ed.ac.uk/public-interest/gm-chickenswww.roslin.ed.ac.uk/public-interest/gm-chickens
Science 331:223-226.
2011
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
11. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Omega-3 PigsOmega-3 Pigs
(Pigs cloned after genetically engineering cell)(Pigs cloned after genetically engineering cell)
Nature Biotechnology 24:435-436. 2006
University of Missouri/University of Missouri/Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical
School
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
12. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Mastitis-resistant cowsMastitis-resistant cows
(inflammation of mammary gland)(inflammation of mammary gland)
Nature Biotechnology 23:445-451. 2005
www.ars.usda.govwww.ars.usda.gov
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
13. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Fast growing salmon
The founder female was generated in 1989 ~ a quarter century ago
Nature Biotechnology 10:176 – 181. 1992
University of Toronto/Memorial University of Newfoundland,University of Toronto/Memorial University of Newfoundland,
CanadaCanadaVan Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
15. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Fish reach adult size in 16 to 18
months instead of 30 months
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
16. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Timeline of AquAdvantage
regulatory process
Year Event
1989 • Founder AquAdvantage fish produced in Canada
1995 • FDA review of AquAdvantage salmon begins
2001 • First regulatory study submitted by Aqua Bounty
Technologies to U.S. FDA for a New Animal Drug
Applications (NADA)
2009 • FDA guidance on how GE animals will be regulated
• FDA approval of first GE animal pharmaceutical
• Final AquAdvantage regulatory study submitted to FDA
2010 • FDA VMAC meeting on AquAdvantage salmon (9/20/10)
2011 • Political efforts to prevent FDA from regulating GE salmon
2013 • AquaBounty has expended over $60 million to bring
the AquAdvantage salmon through the regulatory
approval process thus far (D. Frank, CFO, AquaBounty, pers.
comm.)
• Still waiting for regulatory decision on AquAdvantage salmon
• Delayed approvals diminishing US investment in GE animals
24+yearsfromdiscoverytoapplication?
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
17. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Sites working on GE livestock for food – 1985
North America, Europe and Australasia
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
18. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Sites working on GE livestock for food - 2012
Asia and South America are moving forward
with this technology in their animal agriculture
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
19. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
My basic question is thisMy basic question is this
● The first genetically engineered (GE) crops came to the market in 1986The first genetically engineered (GE) crops came to the market in 1986
● In 2012In 2012 17.3 million17.3 million farmers grew GE crop varieties on > 170 millionfarmers grew GE crop varieties on > 170 million
hectares, and of these > 90% (15 million) were small, resource-poorhectares, and of these > 90% (15 million) were small, resource-poor
farmers in developing countriesfarmers in developing countries
● Humans and livestock have consumed billions of meals without a singleHumans and livestock have consumed billions of meals without a single
case of harm attributable to the GE nature of the materials consumedcase of harm attributable to the GE nature of the materials consumed
● Currently products developed though the process of GE are singled outCurrently products developed though the process of GE are singled out
and uniquely required to go through regulatory approvaland uniquely required to go through regulatory approval
● These regulatory policies add years and millions of dollars to the cost ofThese regulatory policies add years and millions of dollars to the cost of
developing GE crops and animalsdeveloping GE crops and animals
● Is this level of scrutiny aligned to science-based risks associatedIs this level of scrutiny aligned to science-based risks associated
with this technology, or is this overabundance of precautionwith this technology, or is this overabundance of precaution
making the deployment of this valuable technology beyond themaking the deployment of this valuable technology beyond the
means of all but the largest, multinational corporations, to themeans of all but the largest, multinational corporations, to the
detriment of food security globally?detriment of food security globally?
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
20. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
There is no scientific case for a blanketThere is no scientific case for a blanket
approval of all uses of GE. But equally there isapproval of all uses of GE. But equally there is
no scientific case for contrived safety testingno scientific case for contrived safety testing
There is always the issue of novel proteins or compoundsThere is always the issue of novel proteins or compounds
with no history of safe use. These will always have to bewith no history of safe use. These will always have to be
tested for toxicity and allergenicity– be they introduced bytested for toxicity and allergenicity– be they introduced by
GE or conventional breeding techniques.GE or conventional breeding techniques.
The bulk of safety testing and expense is to detectThe bulk of safety testing and expense is to detect
“unintended” changes specifically resulting from GE“unintended” changes specifically resulting from GE
ItIt is continued testing using ever more-expensive techniquesis continued testing using ever more-expensive techniques
including emerging “omics” for these “including emerging “omics” for these “unexpected” unintendedunexpected” unintended
effects of GEeffects of GE that is scientifically dubious as the biologicalthat is scientifically dubious as the biological
relevance of a statistically significant compositional change isrelevance of a statistically significant compositional change is
unclear – especially in the absence of data for conventional food.unclear – especially in the absence of data for conventional food.
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
21. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
GE process-based “equivalence” studies
uniquely required for GE can no longer
justified on the basis of scientific uncertainty
Herman RA, Price WD. 2013. Unintended Compositional Changes in Genetically Modified
(GM) Crops: 20 Years of Research. J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Feb 25.
22. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Unintended effects have notUnintended effects have not
materializedmaterialized
It seems more scientifically defensible to be able to stateIt seems more scientifically defensible to be able to state
that certain likely effects (e.g. novel allergens and toxins,that certain likely effects (e.g. novel allergens and toxins,
positional insertion effects) have been assessed andpositional insertion effects) have been assessed and
found absent, than to admit that one did not know quitefound absent, than to admit that one did not know quite
what to look for – but found it absent neverthelesswhat to look for – but found it absent nevertheless
“Skeptics who remain fearful sometimes respond that
“absence of evidence is not the same thing as evidence
of absence”. Yet if you look for something for 15 years
and fail to find it, that must surely be accepted as
evidence of absence. It is not proof that risks are absent,
but proving that something is absent (proving a negative)
is always logically impossible*”
* Paarlberg, R. 2010. GMO foods and crops: Africa's choice. New Biotechnology 27:609-613
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
23. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
It is time to reconnect the GEIt is time to reconnect the GE
regulatory framework to the bestregulatory framework to the best
available scienceavailable science
“Historically, risks to the environment presented by crop plants
are low. In these projects, we think what we need to do is to
collect scientific data and understand the scientific basis for safe
use of GMO products..... We are not trying to prove how risky it
may be by strange imagination or by inventing some special
phenomena that do not occur in nature.”
Jia S, Peng Y. 2002. GMO biosafety research in China. Environ Biosafety Res. 2002 1(1):5-8.
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
How can $60 million be warranted to bring a fast-growing
fish to market, when conventional fish (and other animal)
breeders routinely develop all manner of fast-growing
animals that are associated with the same set of risks?
24. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
• The trigger for regulatory review should be the novelty of the introduced
trait (regardless of how or when it was derived), and not the process
used to introduce the trait
• The severity of regulatory control should be directly related to the actual,
relative risk associated with the novel characteristic (phenotype)
• Phenotypes with a history of safe use should be exempted from
regulatory review regardless of the methods used to produce them
• Regulatory frameworks should formally evaluate the
reasonable and unique risks associated with the use of GE
animals in agricultural systems, and weigh them against
those associated with existing conventional systems, and
those of inaction (i.e. postponing a regulatory decision).
Perhaps more importantly these risks have to be weighed
against the benefits.
GE regulatory burdens are not justified by scientific evidence or
experience. While regulation to ensure the safety of new
technologies is necessary, in a world facing burgeoning
demands on agriculture from population growth, economic
growth, and climate change, overregulation is an indulgence we
can ill afford.
Giddings, V., Stepp, M. and M.E. Caine. 2013. Feeding the Planet in a Warming World
http://www.itif.org/publications/feeding-planet-warming-world
25. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
Some animal biotechnology applications, including GE
animals, would seem to align with many sustainability
goals including improving animal well-being – will they
be permitted to do so given current regulatory policy?
• Naturally polled cattle
• Trypanosome resistance
• Sex selection for ♀ in
dairy and egg industries
26. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
““the environmental movement has donethe environmental movement has done
more harm with its opposition to geneticmore harm with its opposition to genetic
engineering than with any other thingengineering than with any other thing
we’ve been wrong about...We’vewe’ve been wrong about...We’ve
starved people, hindered science, hurtstarved people, hindered science, hurt
the natural environment, and denied ourthe natural environment, and denied our
own practitioners a crucial tool”own practitioners a crucial tool”
Mark Lynas, Lecture to Oxford Farming Conference, 1/3/2013.
http://www.marklynas.org/2013/01/lecture-to-oxford-farming-conference-3-january-2013/
MARK LYNAS –
formerly one of the most
strident opponents of
GE crops and food
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
27.
28. “15 years after GMO crops
were first planted
commercially in the United
States, only two governments
in Sub-Saharan Africa have
given a commercial release to
any GMO crops, the Republic
of South Africa (for maize,
soybean, and cotton), and
Burkina Faso (only for cotton).”
Allows commercial
planting of biotech crops
Allows import of biotech
crops for food and/or feed
Cruz, Von Mark. V. and R.A. Hautea. 2011. Global scenario
on crop biotechnology: Communication setting. pp. 1-25.
In M.J. Navarro and R.A. Hautea (eds.) Communication
challenges and convergence in crop biodiversity. ISAAA and
SEARCA, Los Baños, Philippines. Book Chapter.
29. Animal Biotechnology and Genomics EducationAnimal Biotechnology and Genomics Education
““I now say that the world has the technology —I now say that the world has the technology —
either available or well advanced in the researcheither available or well advanced in the research
pipeline — to feed on a sustainable basis apipeline — to feed on a sustainable basis a
population of 10 billion people. The more pertinentpopulation of 10 billion people. The more pertinent
question today is whether farmers and ranchers willquestion today is whether farmers and ranchers will
be permitted to use this new technology? While thebe permitted to use this new technology? While the
affluent nations can certainly afford to adopt ultraaffluent nations can certainly afford to adopt ultra
low-risk positions, and pay more for food producedlow-risk positions, and pay more for food produced
by the so-called ‘organic’ methods, the one billionby the so-called ‘organic’ methods, the one billion
chronically undernourished people of the lowchronically undernourished people of the low
income, food-deficit nations cannotincome, food-deficit nations cannot.”.”
Norman Borlaug
Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013Van Eenennaam NIAA 4/16/2013
Editor's Notes
There is a trade-off associated with the rapid dissemination of genetics through populations by AI, and that is a reduction in genetic diversity. A good example of the reproductive potential of an elite dairy bull comes from a bull named Elevation, born in 1965. He had over 80,000 daughters, 2.3 million granddaughters, and 6.5 million great-granddaughters (VanRaden, 2007). Such extensive use of small numbers of sire families has reduced the genetic diversity of the Holstein population. Intense selection leads to rapid genetic improvement, but it also reduces the relative number of parents or the effective population size. Worldwide, estimates of effective population size in Holsteins range from 100-150, despite the fact there are more than 3.7 million Holstein cows enrolled in milk recording in the USA. Reduced genetic diversity can cause a reduction in mean phenotypic performance as a result of inbreeding depression. This term refers to the decrease in fitness and vigour that result from the breeding of related individuals. One of the primary concerns related to inbreeding is reduced reproduction and fertility. It has been observed that dairy cow fertility has been declining at 1% per annum for several decades. For example, daughter pregnancy rate, a measure of how quickly cows become pregnant after having a calf, declined from 33% to 23% over the period from 1960 to 2007. As with many considerations associated with sustainability, some balance needs to be reached between the inherent conflict of accelerating the rate of genetic gain by increasing the intensity of selection on superior lines of cattle, and minimizing the rate of inbreeding
To put the impact of the genetic improvement enabled by AI in a sustainability perspective, consider that advances in the genetics, nutrition and management of US dairy cows over the last century have resulted in a greater than four-fold increase in milk production per cow, and a three-fold improvement in production efficiency (milk output per feed resource input; VandeHaar and St-Pierre, 2006). About half of this 369% increase in production efficiency is attributable to genetic improvement enabled by AI. As a result a much smaller population of dairy cows supplies the US market. The US dairy cattle population peaked in 1944 at an estimated 25.6 million animals with a total annual milk production of approximately 53.1 billion kg. In 1997, dairy cattle numbers had declined to 9.2 million animals and total annual production was estimated at 70.8 billion kg. The advent of frozen semen also dramatically curtailed the number of natural service dairy bulls on farms which further lessened the inputs required to produce a unit of milk (Capper et al. , 2009) The 2007 dairy industry therefore produced 84.2 billion kg of milk with a national herd containing only 9.2 million dairy cattle (and 89.0 billion kg of milk from the same number of cattle in 2011) compared with 53.0 billion kg of milk from 25.6 million head in 1944.
The 2007 dairy industry therefore produced 84.2 billion kg of milk with a national herd containing only 9.2 million dairy cattle (and 89.0 billion kg of milk from the same number of cattle in 2011) compared with 53.0 billion kg of milk from 25.6 million head in 1944. In combination with advances in crop productivity over this time period, feed use per unit of milk was reduced by 77%, land use by 90%, water use by 65%, and manure production by 76% ( Figure 2 ). The carbon footprint of a kg of milk in 2007 was 63% lower than that in 1944 (1.35 kg CO 2 -eq compared to 3.66 kg CO 2 -eq), and the total dairy industry carbon footprint (with the boundary of the farm gate) was reduced by 41%, despite the substantial increase in milk production (26). NIAA 4/16/2013 Alison Van Eenennaam
If environmental sustainability were the only consideration, the FAO data could provoke the conclusion that all regions should adopt North American– and Western European–style production systems, or that dairying should be focused in these areas and discouraged in less-productive regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. However, the significant social (both status and nutritional) and economic value of dairying in less-developed regions must not be underestimated. The challenge for global dairy production is to improve productivity and optimize sustainability within each region rather than prescribe one-size-fits-all production systems or management practices Annual average milk yield per cow has increased from 1,890 kg in 1924, when USDA dairy production record keeping began, to 9,682 kg in 2011 (19), and the current record-holding cow (named Ever-Green-View My 1326) produced over 32,800 kg. Translation Genomics SMO Genomics Alison Van Eenennaam
First, if biotechnologies are to be adopted they should build upon existing conventional technologies. Most biotechnologies cannot be fully exploited in livestock unless a basic level of technical capacity and infrastructure is already present. Second, biotechnologies should be integrated with other relevant components of livestock production. As demonstrated in the case studies, the application of biotechnologies should complement other components of the livestock production and marketing system to elicit the desired result. Third, the application of biotechnologies should be supported within the framework of a national livestock development programme. Potential use of biotechnologies in livestock development should be driven by the goal of tackling problems such as food insecurity and rural poverty, rather than on the desire to impose a biotechnological solution for its own sake. Fourth, it should be borne in mind that the target end users of these biotechnologies are normally resource-poor farmers with limited purchasing power, so appropriate models are needed to ensure that the eventual biotechnology products are accessible to them.
While regulation to ensure the safety of new crop varieties is necessary, in a world facing burgeoning demands on agriculture from population growth, economic growth, and climate change, overregulation is an indulgence we can ill afford
In addition, although there is no evidence that more food safety testing is necessary for GE crops, one can predict that a “whatever is possible should be done” policy will push for the use of omics technologies in their mandatory assessment.
Whether GE livestock fit in with sustainability goals will be greatly dependent upon the BO and production system. However some GE livestock applications (e.g. disease resistance) would seem to align with many sustainability goals, such as improving animal well-being. Infectious diseases have major negative effects on poultry and livestock production, both in terms of economics and animal welfare. The costs of disease are estimated to be 35-50% of turnover in developing countries and 17% in the developed world. Improving animal health using GE has the added benefit of reducing the need for veterinary interventions and the use of antibiotics and other medicinal treatments. Efforts are underway to generate resistance in cattle which is a major problem for beef and dairy population in East Africa (Willyard, 2011). GE could also provide a humane method for sex selection in dairy and egg industries, where females provide the animal product (i.e. milk and eggs). Gene supplementation that feminizes male embryos (Smith et al. , 2009) or eliminates the production of male sperm in sires (Herrmann et al. , 1999) is technically feasible; the latter approach has the desirable outcome that the animals that are produced are not themselves GE (Fahrenkrug et al. , 2010). This change to sex-biased or sex-specific production of offspring would have the additional advantage of increasing overall efficiency of the production system (Hume et al. , 2011).
Whether GE livestock fit in with sustainability goals will be greatly dependent upon the BO and production system. However some GE livestock applications (e.g. disease resistance) would seem to align with many sustainability goals, such as improving animal well-being. Infectious diseases have major negative effects on poultry and livestock production, both in terms of economics and animal welfare. The costs of disease are estimated to be 35-50% of turnover in developing countries and 17% in the developed world. Improving animal health using GE has the added benefit of reducing the need for veterinary interventions and the use of antibiotics and other medicinal treatments. Efforts are underway to generate resistance in cattle which is a major problem for beef and dairy population in East Africa (Willyard, 2011). GE could also provide a humane method for sex selection in dairy and egg industries, where females provide the animal product (i.e. milk and eggs). Gene supplementation that feminizes male embryos (Smith et al. , 2009) or eliminates the production of male sperm in sires (Herrmann et al. , 1999) is technically feasible; the latter approach has the desirable outcome that the animals that are produced are not themselves GE (Fahrenkrug et al. , 2010). This change to sex-biased or sex-specific production of offspring would have the additional advantage of increasing overall efficiency of the production system (Hume et al. , 2011).