By: Mansi Srivastava
Student, Department of Biotechnology, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana, India
The rapid growth in global demand for animal products, especially dairy, has driven the need for innovative approaches in animal breeding and veterinary care to meet these challenges. Among the most promising developments are crossbreeding strategies in dairy cattle and the application of stem cell technology in veterinary regenerative medicine. Crossbreeding in dairy cattle involves the mating of different breeds to enhance genetic diversity and improve key traits, such as milk production, disease resistance, and fertility. By capitalizing on heterosis or hybrid vigor, crossbreeding offers solutions to the challenges posed by inbreeding depression, optimizing the overall health and productivity of dairy herds. The introduction of robust, disease-resistant traits from smaller, hardier breeds into high-production lines can mitigate the risks of common ailments, thus improving both animal welfare and farm profitability. Concurrently, stem cell technology has gained significant traction in veterinary medicine as a transformative tool for treating chronic diseases, injuries, and genetic disorders. Stem cells, particularly adult and induced pluripotent stem cells, offer regenerative capabilities that can aid in the repair of damaged tissues and the management of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and liver diseases. Additionally, stem cell therapy holds the potential for correcting genetic disorders at the cellular level, making it a groundbreaking approach to improving the health and longevity of livestock. This paper explores the intersections between these two areas of animal science, emphasizing how crossbreeding can work in tandem with stem cell therapies to revolutionize both animal agriculture and veterinary practices. By enhancing productivity through crossbreeding and advancing medical treatments via stem cells, the future of animal health, welfare, and productivity appears poised for significant improvement. However, challenges, such as the high cost of stem cell treatments and the need for careful management of genetic diversity in crossbreeding programs must be addressed to ensure long-term success and ethical sustainability of these innovations.
Keywords: Animal, stem cell, crossbreeding, veterinary, livestock
Citation:
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