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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Pipeline using Bilateral In Utero Electroporation to Interrogate Genetic Influences on Rodent Behavior
Published on: May 21, 2020
Why using genetics to address welfare may not be a good idea
1Michigan State University, Department of Philosophy, 503 S. Kedzie Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. thomp649@msu.edu
Genetic strategies can improve animal welfare by enhancing disease resistance and reducing stress. However, modifying natural behaviors raises ethical concerns and may not be publicly accepted.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Genetics
- Livestock Production
Background:
- Animal welfare is assessed via veterinary health, mental well-being, and natural behaviors.
- Tensions exist between these welfare indicators.
- Genetic strategies offer potential to improve animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of genetic strategies in livestock production to enhance animal welfare.
- To examine the ethical considerations and public perception of genetically modifying animals for welfare.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing genetic approaches to increase disease resistance and reduce stress or injury.
- Analyzing genetic modifications aimed at altering behaviors problematic in production systems.
- Considering changes in behavioral repertoire and species-typical traits.
Main Results:
- Genetic strategies can improve veterinary and psychological well-being.
- Modifications alter behavioral repertoires, raising questions about species-typical traits.
- Public and advocate acceptance of genetic manipulation for welfare is limited.
Conclusions:
- Genetic approaches show promise for improving animal welfare indicators.
- Ethical debates exist regarding the modification of species-typical behaviors.
- Public perception and ethical concerns may hinder the adoption of genetic welfare strategies.
More Related Videos
08:22A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations
Published on: December 1, 2017
10:08Genetic Mapping of Thermotolerance Differences Between Species of Saccharomyces Yeast via Genome-Wide Reciprocal Hemizygosity Analysis
Published on: August 12, 2019
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