The idea that we can ( or even should, for that matter) alter the DNA of a living organism is, at the very least frightening and, at worst, a danger to everyone on this planet, human or otherwise.
To say that, because cows are tagged and the meat sales regulated, they pose little risk of "genetic escape" is absurd on its face. The article talks about the difficulties of rounding up cattle on a range in order to inseminate them. I can tell you from experience that cows and bulls will breed if given the chance and bulls DO escape their confinement.
There will be plenty of "non-sanctioned breeding" by these bulls in the field. I've seen it happen and there is nothing that can or will stop it from occurring. The more often these bulls breed, the greater the chance of genetic drift and outright mutation. This will lead to an increased likelihood that the sterile offspring of this manipulation will, in fact, one day be able to breed. What happens when a genetic variant is introduced that is bigger, stronger and more virile? The genetic variant becomes the norm.
This is not a good idea.
Great points! Our thoughts are in alignment on this issue. As a technology writer I face the unknown everyday. Genetic manipulation of human and animal DNA is becoming a very real issue as additional research is being conducted and implemented on a daily basis.