Gene Editing in Beef Cattle

Fixing Problems—or Creating New Ones?

At Wessel Ranch, we believe understanding new technology is just as important as using it. This page is part of our Education section, where we explain topics affecting today's beef industry using research from universities, government agencies, and industry organizations. Our goal is to present factual, balanced information so readers can form their own opinions.

What Is Gene Editing?

Gene editing is a technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to an animal's DNA. Instead of mixing thousands of genes through traditional breeding, researchers can edit a specific gene responsible for a desired trait.

One of the most common gene-editing tools is CRISPR-Cas9, often described as molecular scissors because it can cut DNA at a precise location. Scientists can then remove, replace, or insert genetic material.

Unlike traditional genetic modification (GMO), many gene-editing projects do not add genes from another species. Instead, they often make changes that could have occurred naturally through mutation or selective breeding—but much faster and more precisely.

Traditional Breeding vs. Gene Editing

For generations, cattle producers have improved their herds through selective breeding.

Suppose an exceptional Hereford bull has outstanding growth, carcass quality, fertility, and maternal traits—but also has horns. A producer wanting hornless cattle would traditionally have to breed that bull through several generations while selecting for the naturally occurring polled gene.

Gene editing offers another approach. Scientists can introduce the naturally occurring polled version of the gene directly into the animal, allowing the rest of its genetics to remain largely unchanged.

The goal is not necessarily to create something new, but to achieve a desired genetic outcome much more quickly.

Why Not Just Breed for It?

Traditional breeding has successfully improved cattle for hundreds of years and remains the foundation of the beef industry.

However, breeding for one trait often affects many others. Valuable genetics can be lost while selecting for a single characteristic, and desirable traits may take many generations to become established.

Gene editing has the potential to change one specific gene while preserving the animal's existing genetic strengths.

Researchers believe this could someday accelerate genetic improvement for traits that benefit both producers and cattle.

Current Examples in Beef Cattle

Polled (Hornless) Herefords

One of the best-known examples involves creating naturally hornless Hereford cattle.

Researchers edited the DNA so the cattle carry the same naturally occurring polled gene already found in other beef cattle. In 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration completed a risk review of one line of gene-edited Polled Hereford cattle.

Potential benefits include reducing or eliminating the need for dehorning, improving animal welfare, and reducing labor.

SLICK Heat-Tolerant Cattle

Researchers have also introduced the naturally occurring SLICK gene into beef cattle.

The SLICK trait produces a shorter, slicker hair coat that helps cattle release body heat more effectively during hot weather.

This trait may improve comfort, reduce heat stress, and help maintain productivity in warmer climates.

Disease-Resistant Cattle

Scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service created the first calf with gene edits designed to resist Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV).

Although still experimental, this research demonstrates how gene editing could someday help reduce disease losses while improving animal health and welfare.

Research Spotlight: Cosmo the Bull

In 2020, researchers at the University of California, Davis created Cosmo, a gene-edited Angus bull using CRISPR technology.

Cosmo was designed to study whether gene editing could produce approximately 75% male offspring, potentially increasing beef production efficiency because male cattle generally grow faster and produce heavier carcasses.

Cosmo remained an experimental research animal and was never intended for commercial breeding or the food supply.

Potential Future Applications

Scientists continue researching whether gene editing could someday help improve:

• Disease resistance

• Heat tolerance

• Animal welfare

• Feed efficiency

• Fertility

• Structural soundness

• Udder and teat quality

• Reduced risk of inherited genetic disorders

• Reduced risk of diseases such as cancer eye

Many of these traits are controlled by multiple genes, making them significantly more complex than single-gene traits like horn status.

Questions and Concerns

Like any emerging technology, gene editing raises important questions.

Some people support using gene editing to improve animal health and welfare.

Others have concerns regarding:

• Food safety

• Ethics

• Consumer acceptance

• Cost

• Long-term genetic diversity

• Appropriate uses of the technology

Scientists, ranchers, veterinarians, regulators, and consumers continue discussing where gene editing should—and should not—be used.

Common Misconception

Many people assume all gene-edited cattle contain DNA from another species. In reality, many gene-editing projects simply make precise changes (ie. turning a gene 'on' or 'off') to genes already found in cattle. No foreign DNA is added in many of these applications. 

Our Perspective

At Wessel Ranch, we believe new technologies deserve careful evaluation rather than immediate acceptance or rejection.

Every application should be judged on its own scientific evidence, potential benefits, possible risks, and impact on cattle, producers, and consumers.

Gene editing is a powerful tool with the potential to solve real challenges facing the beef industry. At the same time, it raises important questions that deserve thoughtful discussion.

Our goal is not to persuade you what to think, but to provide accurate information so you can make an informed decision.

Share Your Opinion

Gene editing affects everyone—from ranchers and veterinarians to consumers purchasing beef at the grocery store.

We'd love to hear what you think.

Take our anonymous Gene Editing Survey below and share your perspective.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Intentional Genomic Alterations (IGA) in Animals

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Pc-Polled Cattle Risk Assessment Summary (2026)

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – PRLR-SLICK Cattle Risk Assessment Summary

• USDA Agricultural Research Service – First Gene-Edited Calf Resistant to BVDV

• American Hereford Association – Precision Breeding Designations

• University of California, Davis – Meet Cosmo: A Gene-Edited Bull Designed to Produce More Male Offspring

Educational Notice

This page is intended for educational purposes. Scientific research, regulations, and industry practices continue to evolve. Wessel Ranch strives to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but readers are encouraged to consult original research and regulatory agencies for the latest developments.