Archives
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Vol.16 (2026)
The latest volume showcases a field that has fully embraced systems thinking, recognizing that animal biotechnology must be developed and deployed within complex ecological, social, and economic contexts. This collection features research on the use of gene drives for managing invasive vertebrate pests and disease vectors, acknowledging both the tremendous potential and the significant responsibility associated with such powerful technologies. The journal publishes innovative studies on the biotechnological enhancement of byproduct utilization, creating value from waste streams and contributing to circular economy principles in animal agriculture. Additionally, this volume explores the potential of biotechnology to enhance animal contributions to ecosystem services, from improved manure management to carbon sequestration through grazing management. The work presented here reflects a mature discipline thoughtfully navigating the challenges and opportunities of the Anthropocene.
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Vol.15 (2025)
Volume 15 captures the emergence of truly personalized animal care, where genetic information guides individualized management decisions from birth through production. This collection features groundbreaking research on the integration of genomic prediction with sensor data to create dynamic nutritional and health management protocols tailored to each animal's unique genetic potential. The journal publishes significant advances in our understanding of the epigenetic programming that occurs during critical developmental windows, revealing opportunities for interventions that can have lifelong impacts on health and productivity. Additionally, this volume sees the maturation of xenotransplantation research, with studies addressing the remaining immunological and safety barriers to clinical application. The research presented reflects a sophisticated understanding of biological systems and their manipulation for multiple societal benefits.
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Vol.14 (2024)
As the field matures, Volume 14 emphasizes the translation of laboratory discoveries into commercially viable products and practices accessible to farmers worldwide. This collection features research on the scalability and cost-effectiveness of biotechnological interventions, acknowledging that adoption depends on economic viability as much as scientific merit. The journal publishes significant advances in our understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level, enabling the design of more effective control strategies for devastating livestock diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease. Additionally, this volume highlights the growing role of biotechnology in addressing antimicrobial resistance, featuring studies on alternatives to conventional antibiotics, including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, and immune modulators. The work presented demonstrates a field committed to delivering practical solutions for contemporary challenges.
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Vol.13 (2023)
Volume 13 marks a significant expansion into the realm of precision livestock farming, where biotechnology converges with digital agriculture to create integrated management systems. This collection features pioneering research on biosensors and wearable technologies that continuously monitor physiological parameters, health status, and reproductive cycles in real-time. The journal dedicates substantial attention to the development of novel mRNA-based vaccines for veterinary applications, building on lessons learned from the human pandemic experience. Additionally, this volume showcases advances in somatic cell nuclear transfer and its applications for preserving endangered genetics and regenerating elite livestock. The ethical discourse deepens with comprehensive analyses of consumer acceptance and labeling considerations for products derived from genome-edited animals, reflecting the field's growing engagement with societal stakeholders. -
Vol.12 (2022)
Volume 12 captures a field embracing precision and personalization, with biotechnology enabling tailored approaches to animal health and production. This collection features groundbreaking research on the development of precision probiotics and phage therapies designed to target specific pathogens without disrupting beneficial microbial communities. The journal publishes significant advances in the application of CRISPR-based diagnostics for rapid, field-deployable detection of livestock diseases. Additionally, this volume sees the emergence of studies exploring the welfare implications of genetic selection, using behavioral and physiological indicators to ensure that breeding for productivity does not compromise animal well-being. The research presented demonstrates a maturing discipline that balances technological innovation with ethical responsibility and practical applicability in diverse production systems worldwide.
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Vol.11 (2021)
In a world increasingly conscious of climate change, Volume 11 positions animal biotechnology as a crucial tool for mitigating livestock's environmental footprint. The research presented focuses on breeding strategies and genetic interventions to reduce enteric methane emissions, improve nitrogen utilization efficiency, and enhance overall sustainability. This volume features significant contributions on the development of novel feed additives and enzymes produced through biotechnological processes that can further reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the journal explores the potential of biotechnology to enhance animal resilience to climate-induced stressors, including heat stress and emerging diseases in new geographical ranges. The work published here reflects a growing consensus that biotechnology must be harnessed not only for productivity but for the ecological sustainability of animal agriculture.
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Vol.10 (2020)
Marking a decade of publication, Volume 10 celebrates the journal's achievements while looking toward the future with a special anniversary issue featuring invited reviews from leading figures in the field. This retrospective collection traces the evolution of animal biotechnology from early marker-assisted selection to the current era of precise genome engineering and multi-omics integration. Alongside these reflections, the volume presents cutting-edge research on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict breeding values and optimize management decisions. The global COVID-19 pandemic casts its shadow, with accelerated research on zoonotic disease surveillance and the development of advanced diagnostic platforms for emerging pathogens. This milestone volume captures both the proud history and the exciting trajectory of a transformative scientific discipline.
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Vol.9 (2019)
As synthetic biology matures, Volume 9 showcases its emerging applications in the animal sciences. This collection features innovative research on engineered probiotics designed to modulate the gut microbiome and improve feed efficiency or reduce methane emissions from ruminants. The journal publishes significant advances in the development of cultured meat technologies, exploring the biotechnological challenges of scaling cell-based protein production. Additionally, this volume highlights the growing intersection of animal biotechnology and conservation science, with studies on assisted reproductive technologies for endangered species and the genetic rescue of isolated populations. The ethical discourse continues to evolve, with thoughtful examinations of animal welfare considerations in the context of advanced biotechnological interventions and the concept of genetic stewardship.
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Vol.8 (2018)
The 2018 volume reflects a deepening integration of multi-omics approaches to solve complex biological problems in animal science. Researchers present comprehensive studies combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to create holistic models of animal physiology and production traits. Volume 8 features landmark papers on the characterization of livestock epigenomes, revealing how environmental factors and nutrition can induce heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. The journal also expands its coverage of aquaculture biotechnology, reflecting the growing importance of fish as a protein source. Studies on vaccine development for emerging infectious diseases, including novel platforms like vectored vaccines and DNA vaccines, demonstrate the field's critical role in safeguarding global animal health and food security.
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Vol.7 (2017)
Volume 7 captures a pivotal moment as genome editing technologies move from proof-of-concept to practical application in production environments. This collection features groundbreaking research on the successful generation of gene-edited livestock with enhanced disease resistance, particularly focusing on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) resistance in pigs. The journal dedicates significant attention to the regulatory landscape, publishing critical analyses of how different global jurisdictions are approaching the governance of edited versus transgenic animals. Additionally, this volume sees a surge in studies utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing to understand cellular heterogeneity in tissues of agricultural importance, from muscle development to immune cell function. The work presented demonstrates a field rapidly translating molecular insights into tangible solutions for animal agriculture.
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Vol.6 (2016)
The 2016 volume encapsulates a field on the cusp of transformative change, as genome editing transitions from a theoretical possibility to a tangible research tool. Researchers report on the successful application of CRISPR technology to create livestock with enhanced productivity and resilience, sparking intense discussion on regulatory pathways for gene-edited food animals. The journal expands its scope to include sophisticated analyses of animal models for human diseases, highlighting the critical role of comparative genomics. Additionally, Volume 6 features a growing body of work on the application of nanotechnology in animal health, from targeted drug delivery systems to advanced diagnostic sensors. This collection reflects a dynamic and forward-thinking scientific community, poised to harness the full potential of biotechnology for the betterment of animal and human health.
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Vol.5 (2015)
Volume 5 captures a moment of rapid technological advancement, driven largely by the decreasing cost and increasing accessibility of next-generation sequencing. This influx of data allows for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that pinpoint genetic variants controlling economically important traits with unprecedented accuracy. The journal explores the revolutionary potential of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, presenting early proof-of-concept studies for introducing desirable traits like polledness in cattle or disease resistance in pigs. Alongside these breakthroughs, the volume maintains a strong focus on immunology and vaccine development, featuring novel subunit vaccines and adjuvants designed using reverse vaccinology. The ethical discourse deepens, with dedicated articles examining the societal implications of directly manipulating animal genomes.