Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This is a qualitative data collection. This research aimed to examine how beef cattle and sheep breeding practices are changing as genetic and genomic techniques become more prevalent in the livestock sector. It examined: the relationships between genetic and 'traditional' breeding techniques, changes in breeder identities and human-animal relationships associated with genetic techniques, and changes to the institutional structures related to livestock breeding. A qualitative methodology involved in-depth interviews with breed society representatives, pedigree and commercial cattle and sheep breeders, and institutional representatives. The project also established an expert Consultation Panel.


Main Topics:

The research showed that, first, 'geneticisation' is not straightforward and inevitable, but is complex, contested and sometimes rejected. 'Styles' of engagement and non-engagement were identified, shifting the focus from the idea of the 'adopter' or 'non-adopter' towards more complex terrains in which an individual breeder can be simultaneously associated with different, even contradictory, styles. For example, they may accept one technique but reject others, or see the value of a technique for one group of animals, but not another. Second, genetic techniques produce new forms of breeder knowledge, and can significantly alter how breeders 'see' their animals and make breeding decisions, for example based on new statistics and comparisons to newly calculable norms. Third, geneticisation is also associated with shifting structures and changing power relationships in the sector, and supports wider processes of integration in food supply chains. Genetic techniques in beef cattle and sheep breeding may further intensify the control over food supply of powerful actors in food chains.