Still Waters Posted April 28, 2013 #1 Share Posted April 28, 2013 Researchers are using gene-editing techniques to insert a DNA patch into the genome of Holsteins, Britain's foremost dairy breed, to suppress horn growth. The extra DNA has been taken from other breeds of cattle to create a dairy cow that is identical in every respect to existing livestock but without the horns. Preventing horn growth would eliminate the need for many farmers to burn off the horn buds of calves in what is a difficult and intensely painful procedure for the animals. http://www.telegraph...h-no-horns.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freetoroam Posted April 28, 2013 #2 Share Posted April 28, 2013 I hope it works well and stops the pain to the cows, this would be good, but I also hope its not another mutant experiment which will only tell us the true results after time and possibly another generation. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sergeantflynn Posted April 29, 2013 #3 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Put the udders on their head while they`re at it . Save the farmer from bending down . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ineffectiveArtist Posted April 29, 2013 #4 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I see it odd that people are concerned with removing the horns when they're just gonna kill the animal anyway. Seems like they could put effort into something else like cancer research. If you think this is a god idea that's fine, I just think it's kinda pointless... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Chubb Posted April 29, 2013 #5 Share Posted April 29, 2013 The cows we see today are already modified through breeding so this is just the next step and there will be more to come in the future. I think it is the first time changes have been introduced for Health and Safety reasons though... Once the scientists have produce the perfect cow they are sure to milk it for all its worth. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted April 29, 2013 #6 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I see it odd that people are concerned with removing the horns when they're just gonna kill the animal anyway. Seems like they could put effort into something else like cancer research. If you think this is a god idea that's fine, I just think it's kinda pointless... These are dairy cattle, the cows won't be killed yet. I think they could have done this much more easily by breeding with a polled breed. I have done this myself, I introduced a polled (hornless) dairy shorthorn into my herd and now I have a large proportion of my herd naturally hornless as the polled trait is dominant... Its also nice because all the cows are blue now 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freetoroam Posted April 29, 2013 #7 Share Posted April 29, 2013 (edited) I see it odd that people are concerned with removing the horns when they're just gonna kill the animal anyway. Seems like they could put effort into something else like cancer research. If you think this is a god idea that's fine, I just think it's kinda pointless... Deleted, already mentioned by Farmer boy...dairy cows. Edited April 29, 2013 by freetoroam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assassin Spider Posted April 29, 2013 #8 Share Posted April 29, 2013 "Health and Safety Cow" sounds like a school program mascot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonshadow60 Posted April 29, 2013 #9 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Exactly, Farmerboy. Breeding with 100% homozygous polled Holstein bulls means lots and lots of naturally polled offspring. Why mess with the DNA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technocrat Posted April 29, 2013 #10 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I wouldn't be surprised if we all sprout horns after drinking the milk from these animals! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freetoroam Posted April 29, 2013 #11 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I wouldn't be surprised if we all sprout horns after drinking the milk from these animals! Its got to make you wonder: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lava_Lady Posted April 30, 2013 #12 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Do the safety cow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AsteroidX Posted April 30, 2013 #13 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa Greenman Posted April 30, 2013 #14 Share Posted April 30, 2013 If a cow wants to hurt you they don't need horns, they can stomp you to death no problem, but it is a good idea though. Sometimes they nail you accidentally with those horns. If you treat them well they can be a friendly critter, but make them mad they will kill you when they get the chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa Greenman Posted April 30, 2013 #15 Share Posted April 30, 2013 These are dairy cattle, the cows won't be killed yet. I think they could have done this much more easily by breeding with a polled breed. I have done this myself, I introduced a polled (hornless) dairy shorthorn into my herd and now I have a large proportion of my herd naturally hornless as the polled trait is dominant... Its also nice because all the cows are blue now Can you post a picture of your blue cows? I would love to see one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ancient astronaut Posted April 30, 2013 #16 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Won't make them any smarter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lava_Lady Posted April 30, 2013 #17 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Won't make them any smarter. That's probably a good thing, I wouldn't want them planning revenge on us steak eaters.. Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepper-steph Posted May 1, 2013 #18 Share Posted May 1, 2013 It already exists naturally, breeding polled species is already taking place in the dairy industry without getting scientists involved. Not as effective but must be safer than tampering with nature. We really don't deserve this planet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted May 1, 2013 #19 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Can you post a picture of your blue cows? I would love to see one. I'll try and get one up at the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starseed hybrid 1111 Posted May 9, 2013 #20 Share Posted May 9, 2013 first of all i would like i start this off by saying you will all pay that ones messing and altering the DNA of these animals and all animals and all living species not just humans.karma is wonderful i love karma because no injustice ever goes without repaying for what we have done.people and researchers that have a soul and heart stop this altering of DNA NOW!!!its not fair let them be the way the were born to be and naturally created.one shouldn't be drinking and consuming animal products in the first place!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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