Future applications of biotechnology in poultry

The major biotechnological advances that can be applied in the poultry industry will include molecular genetics, molecular immunology, and solid-state reactions. The elucidation of the genetic code and the development of techniques to manipulate genes offer new opportunities for changing pathogenic agents and changing chickens to reduce the effect of disease and improve productivity. The monoclonal antibody technique and the discovery that cells of the immune response communicate with one another through peptide factors will permit improved diagnostic techniques and enhanced immune responses to vaccines. Immunologic and biochemical reactions that occur on a solid substrate can be used to simplify and accelerate diagnostic tests and to purify antigens and antibodies. These advances will lead to improvements in diagnosis, disease resistance, and productivity of poultry.