Free Access
Reprod. Nutr. Dev.
Volume 45, Number 3, May-June 2005
SYMPOSIUM: Homage to Professor Charles Thibault
Page(s) 235 - 242
Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 45 (2005) 235-242
DOI: 10.1051/rnd:2005016

The zootechnical applications of biotechnology in animal reproduction: current methods and perspectives

Michel Thibier

Directeur Général de l'Enseignement et de la Recherche, Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation, de la Pêche et des Affaires Rurales, 1 ter rue de Lowendal, 75007 Paris, France

Abstract - The development of the four generations of Reproductive Biotechnology, particularly in cattle and since the last world war, represents one of the best examples of the success story of technology transfer. This review will only refer to the first three generations and will not deal with nuclear transfer nor transgenesis. Based on sound so-called "finalised" research, Artificial Insemination first, then in vivo collected embryo transfer and later in vitro fertilised embryo transfer have been implemented worldwide. Each of these Biotechnologies has many advantages and limitations. In addition to the specificity of each of them, one major point is that farmers and breeders may choose either collectively or individually, the best technology to be used in order to achieve the goals they have set for their industry. It is noteworthy that these technologies have been able to match with the economics demands over the last decades and yet are in a very good capacity to respond to the contemporary demand of sustainable development. In this context, there are further advantages such as potentially contributing to maintaining biodiversity or allowing preservation ex situ of genes otherwise threatened to extinction.

Key words: farm animals / reproduction / reproductive technologies / artificial insemination / embryo transfer / in vitro fertilization

Corresponding author: Michel Thibier

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2005