Animal biotechnology refers to the manipulation of animal cells, tissues or genetic material to produce goods and services for human benefit. Some key areas where animal biotechnology is used include agriculture, medicine, and research. By applying modern scientific techniques to animal agriculture and livestock farming, animal biotechnology aims to benefit both animals and humans.
Applications in Agriculture
Genetic Modification of Farm Animals
Genetically modified or transgenic animals are created through the direct manipulation of an animal’s genome using genetic engineering techniques. Livestock animals like cattle, pigs, and chickens have been genetically engineered for increased growth rates, higher meat or milk yield, improved feed efficiency, disease resistance and other traits. While genetically modified crops have been widely adopted, the use of transgenic farm animals is still restricted in many countries due to ethical and regulatory issues.
Animal Cloning
Cloning technology allows for the production of genetically identical copies of animals with desirable traits such as more meat or disease resistance. Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell back in 1996. Since then, Global Animal Biotechnology clones have been produced from a variety of species including cattle, goats, pigs and horses. Cloned livestock could help overcome stagnating growth rates and disease problems in agriculture. However, animal welfare concerns remain around cloning technology.
Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer
Techniques like artificial insemination and embryo transfer have been used for decades in cattle breeding programs. They allow for improvement in genetic qualities of offspring by enabling males with desirable traits to sire offspring from multiple females. Embryo transfer technology also facilitates transportation of livestock germplasm globally and preservation of endangered animal breeds. Overall, assisted reproductive technologies have significantly increased livestock productivity worldwide.
Applications in Medicine
Pharmaceutical Protein Production
Transgenic animal biotechnology enables the use of livestock like goats, pigs and cattle as ‘pharmanimals’ for production of valuable human therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes in their milk or blood. Proteins produced this way include clotting factors, monoclonal antibodies, growth factors and hormones that are used to treat conditions like hemophilia, cancer and diabetes.
Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation refers to transplantation of cells, tissues or organs between species, such as from pigs to humans. With the shortage of organ donors, scientists are looking at genetically modified pigs as potential organ donors for humans. Research aims to breed pigs with organs less likely to be rejected when transplanted into the human body. While promising, xenotransplantation faces hurdles from both medical and religious perspectives.
Other Medical Uses
Genetically engineered animals including knockout and transgenic mice are invaluable research models for studying human disease processes, testing new drugs and furthering our basic understanding of biology and medicine. New genetic engineering techniques also hold promise for future therapies such as growing transplantable tissues and organs from stem cells.
Impact on Animal Welfare
Ethics demand that animal welfare be protected in light of technologies using animals for human benefit. Genetic modifications have the potential for negative welfare impacts if not properly controlled and regulated. Issues include the degree of suffering during research, unforeseen health effects after genetic manipulation, and respecting animals’ intrinsic natures. Stem cell technologies may reduce reliance on transgenic animals in the long run. Overall animal welfare will depend on continuing open discussion and balancing benefits with ethical costs as biotechnologies progress.
Controversies and Challenges
Public scepticism – While offering prospects for more efficient agriculture and new medical uses, biotechnologies involving direct genetic manipulation of animals are still controversial with many consumers. Fears exist around unintended consequences of genetic changes and perceived unnatural interference with nature.
Regulatory gaps – Regulation of new animal biotechnologies like cloning, gene drives and custom breeding technologies is still evolving. Issues remain regarding risk oversight, traceability and labeling requirements for products from genetically engineered farm animals should regulations permit their use. Standardized guidelines need to balance open innovation with responsible management of emerging risks.
Imbalanced access – Like other modern technologies, animal biotechnology development is concentrated in developed world regions and large companies. Building global capacity through technologies transfer and investment in local innovation infrastructure will be key to equitable access of benefits.
Biosafety issues – Any living modified organism poses biosecurity and environmental risks if not properly managed. Confining and tracking genetically engineered animals will require improved infrastructure and protocols to prevent accidental releases and protect biodiversity. Mitigation strategies need global cooperation.
Overall, continued research promises many applications of animal biotechnology for greater agricultural productivity, new medical therapies and enhanced animal welfare. Responsible development guided by ethics oversight, inclusive governance frameworks and global cooperation will help maximize benefits while mitigating challenges as the field advances. Further progress depends on building public trust through transparent dialogue and prioritizing both benefits and responsibilities.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.