ABSTRACT
Dramatic advances in systems biology, including genomics and other new knowledge of gene function and interactions with the environment are constructive forces in improving the health and well-being of both humans and animals. The impact of these genetic effects and advances in biotechnology on animal welfare are explored in this chapter. Long-term food security for animals and humans will depend on advances in ef”ciency of animal and crop production resulting from biotechnological breakthroughs. Without these efforts, food security for humans and animals will be compromised due to the rapidly increasing human population and a diminishing amount of arable land for production of agriculturally important species of plants and animals.
