Imagine you could pick the very traits you wanted in a cow. What would you choose? Faster growth? Better fertility? Healthier calves? Perhaps cows that eat less while producing more meat? 

With advances in gene editing, these possibilities are becoming a reality. In fact, gene editing is poised to become a transformative tool in the cattle producer’s toolbox — offering the chance to build a healthier, more efficient herd from the DNA up.

Precision genetics, commonly referred to as gene editing, is a cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes to an animal’s DNA. One common technique, CRISPR-Cas9, works like molecular scissors to tweak specific genes, removing undesirable traits or enhancing favorable ones without introducing DNA from other species. 

Unlike traditional selective breeding, which can take generations to accomplish small gains, gene editing can create significant improvements in a single generation.

By editing specific genes, scientists will be able to create cattle that are less susceptible to common diseases and high or low temperatures. That will likely mean fewer sick animals, less stress on producers and reduced dependence on antibiotics or other treatments for their cattle.  

As many in the industry know, we’re facing a serious challenge: more people on the planet without more land, water or feed to support them. The demand for beef is rising, but our production resources are stretched thin. 

One response is to produce cattle that grow faster and convert feed into meat more efficiently. 

Gene editing could help do just that. By fine-tuning genes that affect metabolism and growth, scientists can develop cattle that make better use of their feed, turning the same amount of input into more output.

Of course, no tool is perfect. One concern with gene editing is the risk of “off-target effects.” When scientists make a specific genetic change, there’s a small chance it could affect another part of the DNA in an unintended way. That’s why rigorous testing is essential before edited animals will be introduced into the food chain or breeding populations. Transparency, education and responsible use of the technology will be key to earning and keeping public trust. 

Gene editing is regulated differently in every country. In some, like the United States and Argentina, gene-edited animals may be allowed if safety protocols are followed. In others, they might be fully banned. This patchwork of regulations presents a big question for producers: if I invest in gene-edited animals, will I be able to sell them where I want? That’s why it’s essential to stay informed about both domestic policies and international trade requirements before adopting the technology.

Gene editing is not a one-person job. For it to succeed, scientists, producers, regulators and even lawyers must work together. Scientists are responsible for developing safe, effective edits. Producers can integrate these animals into real-world settings, and legal experts help ensure everything is done ethically and within the law.

At the end of the day, gene editing is not a silver bullet, but just one tool in a growing toolbox for modern cattle producers. 

It won’t solve every challenge on the ranch. But when used wisely, it may help us raise healthier cattle while producing more animal-source protein on fewer resources. 

The future of cattle ranching will continue to change and adapt to growing demands of increasing efficiency. With tools like gene editing, it could be brighter, more sustainable and more rewarding for everyone involved.  

Editor’s note: Cliff Lamb is the animal science department head and a professor at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

The American Angus Association does not have any approved gene edits for the registry at this time. For the Association’s current gene edit policy, refer to the Breeder’s Reference Guide that can be viewed online at www.angus.org/member-center.