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Animal geneticist Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California, Davis, discovered it is possible to splice the “hornless” gene from Aberdeen Angus cattle into Holstein dairy cows, so their offspring are born without protrusions. The beauty of gene editing is that it enables animal breeders to make beneficial genetic changes, without bringing along unwanted genetic changes. And, following in the footsteps of traditional breeding, gene editing has tremendous potential to boost the sustainability of livestock production, while also enhancing animal health and welfare, argues Alison Van Eenennaam, who will discuss Genome Editing in Cattle: Recent Developments and Prospects, at this year’s DCRC Annual Meeting, November 13-14, in Pittsburgh.