BIOTECHNOLOGY IN VETERINARY-MEDICINE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION

The rapid development of modem biotechnology has introduced a new dime nsion to veterinary medicine and animal breeding. Genome analysis of i mportant breeding species will ultimately allow to detect and conseque ntely to eliminate any possible genetic disorder. Moreover, infectious diseases may also be detected easier and more reliable. The productio n of transgenic lifestock opens the possibility to generate animals wi th improved health and productivity without time consumig breeding pro grammes. In the following review I will focus on the description of re cent developments in the application of molecularbiological techniques in veterinary medicine and animal production. Special emphasis will b e given to the physiological consequences of transgene expression rath er than the techniques for the production of transgenic animals.