1.   Historically, increases in yield or improvements in specific traits have been achieved by classical breeding techniques involving crossing, back-crossing and selection.

2.   Biotechnology becomes a tool to improve breeding techniques rather than to move genes among different species.

3.   According to Kay, however, traditional breeding techniques are starting to hit some limits.

4.   DNA Plant Technology is an Oakland, California-based biotechnology company that develops and improves plant varieties through genetic engineering and advanced breeding techniques.

5.   DNA Plant Technology, a unit of DNAP Holding Corp., is a biotechnology company that develops and improves plant varieties through genetic engineering and advanced breeding techniques.

6.   However, said Nix, cattle being slaughtered are heavier than they were several years ago, in part because of new breeding techniques.

7.   Investments in new facilities, temperature-controlled rooms and sophisticated breeding techniques created a boom in the number of pigs produced and sent to market.

8.   Local rice growers, using traditional breeding techniques, will transfer the characteristics of the beta-carotene rice into varieties adapted to local conditions.

9.   So while they are using the new breeding techniques, they remain committed to genetic engineering as well.

10.   Supporters of biotechnology argue that introducing a specific gene or trait into a plant or animal is merely a refinement of traditional breeding techniques.