Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology covers a wide range of tools and techniques which can be utilised to increase the competitiveness of the Australian pork industry and improve environmental and economical sustainability.
Non-Genetically Modified (GM) biotechnology of interest to the pig industry comprises:
- DNA/RNA technologies, such as marker-assisted selection for animal and plant breeding;
- proteins and other molecules, such as protein analysis to understand response of livestock to disease;
- and cell and tissue culture and engineering, such as animal cloning or vaccine development.
Some of these techniques are already commonly used in agriculture, others are yet to be commercialised or are still subject of ongoing/future research.
Biofuel
Biofuels are made from renewable materials such as sugars, grains and seeds, rather than fossil deposits such as petroleum and coal. Increased utilisation of biofuels can assist with Australia's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
