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Surrogacy advance could aid rare chicken breeds

Surrogacy advance could aid rare chicken breeds
Hens that cannot produce their own chicks have successfully acted as surrogates for rare chicken breeds.
 
The advance—using gene-editing techniques—could help to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve production of commercial hens, researchers say.
 
Scientists injected specialized stem cells—called primordial germ cells—from another chicken breed into the eggs from the surrogate chickens.
 
The adult hens then produced eggs containing all of the genetic information from the other chicken breed.
 
Genetic tool
 
A team led by the University's Roslin Institute used a genetic tool they had previously developed called TALEN to delete a section of chicken DNA.
 
The researchers targeted part of a gene called DDX4, which is crucial for bird fertility. Hens with the genetic modification were unable to produce eggs but were otherwise healthy, the team found.
 
Bird breeds
 
DDX4 plays an essential role in the generation of primordial germ cells, which gives rise to eggs. The surrogate chickens were the first gene-edited birds to be produced in Europe.
 
Experts say the cells could potentially be used to help breed birds of other closely related species, as long as a supply of primordial germ cells is available from a donor bird.
 
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CEOs of the Industry: Dr. Jay Miller, The Maschhoffs

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CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Dr. Jay Miller, CEO of The Maschhoffs, to explore his remarkable journey from veterinary consultant to executive leader at one of America’s largest family-owned pork production companies.

Dr. Miller shares how his outside-in perspective shaped his leadership approach, what it was like transitioning from advisor to CEO, and how he’s balancing the company’s proud multigenerational legacy with the need for transformation and innovation.

We dig into tough topics like navigating company contraction, reshaping culture for performance, and the critical role veterinary expertise plays at the executive level. Dr. Miller opens up about building a sustainable, modern pork business—not just environmentally, but operationally and culturally—and what it takes to attract and develop the next generation of talent in agriculture.

Looking ahead, he shares his five-year vision for The Maschhoffs and gives us a personal peek in the Fast Five round, where he reveals leadership insights, the best advice he’s received, and the three words that define The Maschhoffs in 2025.