Animal biotechnology refers to the application of scientific and engineering principles to improve
and augment the genetics, reproduction, health, and overall productivity of animals. It aims to improve animal production, disease resistance, and the conservation of biodiversity through the
use of techniques such as genetic engineering, cloning, and selective breeding. It comprehends a
wide range of practices, from improving livestock and aquaculture efficiency to assisting wildlife
conservation.
History.
The history of animal biotechnology traces back to early efforts in domestication, selective breeding, and artificial insemination. The formal integration of biotechnology into animal science began in the 1970s with advancements in molecular biology and the development of recombinant DNA technologies. The birth of Dolly the sheep in 1996, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, marked a pivotal milestone in animal cloning and demonstrated the potential for genetic manipulation in higher organisms.
Scope and classification.
Animal biotechnology has traditionally been viewed through the lenses of livestock improvement and veterinary sciences. However, recent literature has proposed a structured classification of the field into three major sectors: animals, aquaculture, and forest animals. Each sector employs a variety of techniques suited to its species and conservation or productivity goals.
Animals.
This sector includes biotechnology applications to domesticated and livestock species. Techniques applied include:
These approaches collectively support improved productivity, disease resistance, and reproductive efficiency in livestock and poultry.
Aquaculture.
In aquatic species, biotechnology is applied to both commercial production and biodiversity management. 
These tools are vital for increasing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in fish and shellfish production systems.
Forest animals.
This domain focuses on wildlife species, especially those requiring conservation or genetic management. Applications include:
Together, these methods aim to preserve biodiversity, assist in species recovery, and support long-term ecological stability.
Applications.
Animal biotechnology is applied across veterinary medicine, food production, biomedical research, and conservation biology. Genetically engineered animals have been developed for disease resistance (e.g., PRRS-resistant pigs), faster growth (e.g., AquAdvantage salmon), and biomedical research (e.g., transgenic mice expressing human genes). Additionally, animals have been used as bioreactors to produce pharmaceuticals such as antithrombin in transgenic goats.
Ethical and regulatory aspects.
The use of biotechnology in animals raises important ethical and regulatory concerns. Topics such as animal welfare, genetic integrity, ecological risks, and food safety are actively debated. Regulatory frameworks vary globally; in the United States, the FDA oversees genetically engineered animals, whereas in the European Union, such applications face more stringent restrictions.