Cattle worldwide face significant health threats from the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a highly infectious disease. Despite decades of vaccination efforts, the virus continues to pose challenges to the cattle industry. Researchers from federal, private, and academic sectors are collaborating to develop a gene-edited calf resistant to BVDV, potentially reducing antimicrobial use in cattle.
Veterinary epidemiologist Brian Vander Ley from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explains that BVDV severely impacts the bovine immune system, affecting both beef and dairy cattle. The virus can persist in in utero calves, which can spread the virus throughout their lives. Vander Ley likens these carriers to 'Typhoid Marys' of BVDV transmission.
Vaccination efforts against BVDV have been ongoing since the 1960s, but the virus's mutable nature and the emergence of virulent strains limit the effectiveness of current control programs. A collaborative project involving the USDA's Agricultural Research Service and Acceligen has successfully utilized gene editing to alter the CD46 protein, thus reducing susceptibility to BVDV while maintaining normal bovine functions.
A gene-edited calf named Ginger was born on July 19, 2021, and has shown no signs of infection despite exposure to BVDV. The findings were published on May 9 by the PNAS Nexus journal, with Aspen Workman as the lead author.
In related advancements, scientists at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new culture system for isolating embryonic stem cells in cows. This breakthrough could significantly enhance genetic testing and genome engineering, with the potential to create genetically superior cattle more efficiently.
Professor Pablo Ross stated that the ability to generate gametes from stem cells could revolutionize cattle genetics, allowing for faster production of improved breeds. This technique could reduce the time required to achieve genetic advancements from decades to just a few years.
Furthermore, the University of Queensland's Professor Ben Hayes has contributed to genomic selection technology, which uses DNA markers to predict traits such as fertility. This method could lead to increased calf production and reduced methane emissions, improving sustainability in the cattle industry.
Lastly, a study from Texas A&M AgriLife Research highlights the potential of bioenergy sorghum in sequestering atmospheric carbon and improving soil fertility. This crop's deep root systems can tap into water and nutrients unavailable to other annual crops, offering solutions to environmental challenges.