Brief comparison of classical breeding and genetic modifications classical breeding techniques genetic modifications or transgenics Classical breeding basically involves breeding two animals and looking at the results. It can result in negative side effects. The obvious undesirable crosses are weeded out. Genetic modifications are the results of adding one or more particular genes to an animal's genome. Modifications that lead to undesirable side effects can be discontinued.
Breeding involves the mixing of two complete genomes.
The risks of unusual or undesirable effects are greater in classical breeding, because so many more genes and potential combinations of genes are involved. GM work involves only one or a few genes. They permit more accurate, more selective and more specific changes. Successful crosses involve many animals and several generation times. GM induced changes are also faster, involving fewer generation times than classical breeding techniques.