 |
Sheep Genome Team |
UK Sheep Genome Mapping Project
Ethics FAQ
Does the project involve invasive procedures ? The project only requires a single blood sample from each animal used. Where possible this coincides with other routine blood samplings. Does
the project aim to produce Genetically Modified Sheep ?
No,
the project is only interested in identifying genes for growth and carcass
traits which already exist within sire reference flocks. Any genes
having an effect on these traits could be tested and used to aid selection
decisions. Genetic modification is of very little use
|
|
Results To Date |
|
Aims | |
Ethics | |
|
Blood Collections | |
Government Sponsors | |
|
Presentations | |
Texel Selection Day 2000 | |
|
Benefits | |
Guestbook | |
|
Industry Collaborators | |
Links | |
|
Contact | |
Back to Front Page | |
|
to
commercial sheep flocks due to high cost and low success rate. GM
sheep are only used by pharmaceutical companies and are hence of no relevance
to this project.
Are
animals still produced 'naturally' ?
Yes,
some artificial insemination (AI) is used within sire referencing schemes
to allow wider use of a limited number of rams, although the numbers are
small when compared to other species eg. dairy cattle, pigs, turkeys etc.
The animals contributing to this project are commercial animals and quite
possibly the very same animals many of us see in fields on a daily basis.
Why
is this work necessary ?
Producers
have strived to produce better animals for many generations. Consumers
now demand more from their food and wish to receive a good quality, welfare
friendly, final product. The project aims to give producers additional
tools to aid selection decisions and ultimately contribute to the genetic
improvement of UK sheep.
Are
there any welfare benefits to the work ?
Yes,
an extension of the work could identify genes affecting susceptability
or resistance to particular diseases. Selection on such genes could
lead to animals less susceptible or even resistant to a particular disease.
Anyone
with further queries about the work should contact the project coordinator
(follow the 'Contact' link on the left).
|