In order to bridge the gap brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted many people from attending face-to-face seminars and trainings, the Department of Agriculture – Livestock Biotechnology Center, together with the DA-Philippine Carabao Center and DA-Biotechnology Program Office, held the 6th International Livestock Biotechnology Symposium on February 22 via a virtual meeting platform attended by over 200 local and international participants.
Coalescing two subjects that are rarely discussed together in scientific dialogues and fora, the symposium aims to provide awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the processes and dynamics revolving around the livestock sector including its effects to the environment.
Local and international speakers discussed topics ranging from gene editing, climate change, reduction of methane emission of lactating cows to transgenic technologies for adaption of livestock to warmer climates in line with this year’s theme, “Research and Innovations Promoting Positive and Synergistic Relationship Between the Livestock Industry and Climate Change”.
The symposium underscored the need for the agriculture sector, specifically the livestock sector to recalibrate strategies in achieving sustainable food security with significantly lesser effects to the environment and improve resiliency to climate change.
Featured presentations and open forum further highlighted how biotechnology applications can mitigate effects of livestock production on the environment and climate change.
Resource persons include Climate Change Commission Consultant, Dr. Leoncio A. Amadore, Professor of Animal Genomics and Biotechnology University of California – Davis, Dr. Alison L. Van Eenennaam; Agricultural Inspector of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda, Dr. Brendah Kembabazi and Principal Scientist Animal Biotech, AgResearch Ruakura, New Zealand, Dr. Goetz Laible.
By Marah A. Arquero