US research creates heat-resistant cows for future food

Scientists seek to create a breed of heat-tolerant cows, delicious meat in the context of the increasingly hot Earth.

Researchers at the University of Florida, the Food and Agriculture Science Institute (USA) are trying to create a breed of heat-tolerant cattle , Digital Trends reported on June 27. The study received federal funding of US $ 733,000 in three years.

In the context of the global warming and the projected impact of heat, the project has two goals: to use gene intervention tools to create new breeds adapted to hot weather and to create Premium beef.

Picture 1 of US research creates heat-resistant cows for future food
Research by scientists to create a breed of heat-tolerant cows in the context of global warming.(Photo: Digital Trends).

"Heat stress is a major factor limiting protein production in animals, adversely affecting the health and morale of cattle in subtropical and tropical areas," said Dr. Raluca Mateescu, The assistant professor of Animal Science said.

Scientists at the University of Florida studied Brangus cows , a hybrid between Angus and Brahman cows , which is characterized by good growth in warm climates to identify DNA fragments that help control the body temperature. Advanced gene intervention technology will be applied later to create high-yield, low-impact livestock strains.

According to Dr. Mateescu, developing effective strategies in response to heat stress is an urgent task to help the US livestock industry increase productivity and secure a global food chain.

If the plan goes smoothly, it will not be too long before the cows are good at heat, born by gene intervention technology, grazing on the American fields.