[Experiences in the changes of biotechnology in veterinary practice].

The transmission of old methods and the transformation of new knowledge in to animal breeding practice has an cultural tradition lasting millenniums. Each epoch had its own strategy of solving problems because progress is independent of religions and ideologies, and therefore, it can not be hindered. In the past different biotechnologies have increased progress in animal breeding exponentially, and it can be supposed that the course of the exponential curve will not change in the foreseeable future. Anyone who intends to compete internationally is compelled to use the new technologies, wherever old methods can not longer compete. The transition to the new biotechnology especially in Germany, hits limitations an two levels: on the one hand, an exaggerated desire for safety that has created the German gene law and, on the other hand the animal breeding industry that can hardly afford the expensive biotechnology because of its economic condition. It seems advisable to revise both the gene law and the expense of the technology. Animal breeding research should foster simplification (make less expensive) of biotechnology, and politicians should ask weather it is necessary for the gene sector to migrate further abroad. In animal breeding, the gene transfer is practical (e.g., liposome mediated gene transfer via sperm cells) because of its low costs, and so it is absurd not to allow its use. In Germany, transgenic individuals have to bee discarded at the knackery, whereas in the Netherlands heifers derived from the bull HERMAN, that is transgenic for lactoferrin are allowed to calf (and produce milk). Currently, gene transfer is not a viable alternative because of the negative emotional impact of biotechnology. Only someone who uses this technique may be responsible for handling and creating it without having, therefore, to overstep ethical borders.