Precision Chicken Breeding

Chickens are an important representative species of poultry. Meat and eggs are almost indispensable on the human table, providing economic value to farmers. In recent years, eggs have become even more valuable due to their use in vaccine production and biopharmaceuticals. Today, poultry farming faces various challenges, including new infectious diseases, climate change, and the need for improved animal welfare practices. The development and implementation of new breeding technologies are market needs and future trends. BioVenic aims to develop new plant varieties using advanced genome editing and transgenic technologies to achieve precise genome editing for breeding purposes.

Fig.1 An Overview of Poultry Genome Editing Strategies^1,2.

Chicken Genome Editing Strategies

Unlike the situation in mammals, where the fertilized egg/zygote (1-cell stage) exists only in the female body (fallopian tube) and is difficult to manipulate, IVF does not work in chickens. At the same time, because the embryos in the eggs have divided into tens of thousands of cells, the impact of genome editing is significantly diluted. Therefore, it is almost impossible to edit the genome of chickens using fertilized eggs without any special processes. BioVenic has launched a variety of emerging poultry gene editing and precision breeding experimental solutions, enabling customers to independently select the most suitable implementation method for the project.

• PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution

BioVenic's chicken gene editing operation involves performing molecular manipulations on primordial germ cells (PGCs), which are the precursors of sperm and eggs, and then transplanting the successfully genome-edited PGCs into chicken embryos. Our poultry genome editing and precision genetic breeding working group is proficient in advanced technologies related to primordial germ cell (PGC) breeding of genome-edited chickens. This includes stable cell culture, genome editing, and PGC transplantation technology, ensuring the smooth development of the project.

Fig.2 PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution^3,4.

• Non-PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution

BioVenic continues to enrich poultry genome editing technologies and solutions, incorporating a range of advanced non-PGC-mediated gene editing methods. Non-PGC-mediated gene editing methods include sperm introduction-assisted gene editing (STAGE), embryonic blood-mediated gene editing, adenovirus-mediated genome editing, etc. All of these methods can successfully achieve the goal of modifying the poultry genome.

Fig.3 Three Common Non-PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution^3,5.

Precision Breeding in Poultry

The advantage of precision breeding is the ability to accurately edit target locations identified through genome sequencing data and introduce new alleles associated with economically important traits. Genome editing research in poultry primarily aims to enhance fecundity, growth rate, animal welfare, feed conversion efficiency, and disease resistance. The combination of genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular manipulation at the genetic level will further accelerate poultry breeding.

Why Choose Us?

BoiVenic utilizes proprietary technology to create tailored services for precise chicken breeding and to supply genome-edited organisms for researchers. We have developed our own new poultry genome and phenotype database to provide robust theoretical support for precision chicken breeding services. In our laboratory, we are constantly refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and creating effective genome editing tools tailored to non-mammalian gene editing systems. This effort aims to expedite advancements in agriculture and animal husbandry breeding programs. Please contact us to collaborate on advancing the process of genome editing breeding and promoting sustainable development in animal husbandry.

References

1. Kim, Young-Min, Seung-Je Woo, and Jae-Yong Han. "Strategies for the Generation of Gene Modified Avian Models: Advancement in Avian Germline Transmission, Genome Editing, and Applications."Genes 14.4 (2023): 899.
2. Image retrieved from Figure 2 "Schematic representation of various strategies for genome-edited bird production". Kim, Young-Min, et al., 2023, used under CC BY 4.0. The original image was modified by changing title to "An Overview of Poultry Genome Editing Strategies".
3. Park, Jin Se, Kyung Youn Lee, and Jae Yong Han. "Precise genome editing in poultry and its application to industries." Genes 11.10 (2020): 1182.
4. Image retrieved from Figure 1 "Schematic illustration of primordial germ cell (PGC)-mediated genome-editing in poultry". Park, Jin Se, et al., 2020, used under CC BY 4.0. The original image was modified by changing title to "PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution".
5. Image retrieved from Figure 2 "Schematic illustration of cultured-PGCs free genome-editing method in poultry". Park, Jin Se, et al., 2020, used under CC BY 4.0. The original image was modified by changing title to "Three Common Non-PGC-Mediated Poultry Genome Editing Solution".