Transgenic animals are being utilized in multiple areas, for instance, in the ever growing medical research field; they are used to model human diseases and find their in-progress cures. In terms of biotechnology, transgenic animals are used to determine the specific producers of proteins or other major components of the living systems. And they are alsousedin the agricultural industry where the animals can be altered to increase the yield of products(“Canadian Council on Animal Care in science”, 1).
Applications:
INDUSTRIAL FIELD:
Transgenic animals can also be used in other various fields besides the medical field, such as the industrial field. Animals can be altered to produce materials we require more of and could potentially use in our daily products. For instance, two scientists at Nexia Biotechnologies in Canada were able to splice out a specific spider gene and then reinsert it into the cells that belonged to a goat. This basically allowed the goat produce silk along with its milk. Since the silk can be produced at such a rapid rate it can be used in military uniforms, medical microsutures, tennis racket strings, and in anything where a light yet tough but at the same time flexible material is needed (Margawati, Endang).
MEDICAL FIELD:
The main reason for using transgenic animals in the medical field is for xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation is any procedure that involves the transplantation or infusion of live cells, tissues, or organ from a nonhuman animal source into a human recipient (Xenotransplantation). In Canada alone, in 2010, 2153 organ transplants were performed successfully, however, there were 4529 Canadians who were and might still be waiting for an organ transplant. Unfortunately, 247 of those patients died while waiting for an organ transplant (Multi-Organ Transplant Program – Statistics), these statistics show clearly how necessary organ donations are. Transgenic animals could possibly clear these issues up for us throughxenotransplantation. Transgenic pigs can potentially be used to provide organs. The only issue at the moment with transgenic pigs is that the organs are being rejected by the recipients due to a certain pig protein; however, research is being completed to replace the pig protein with human protein (Margawati, Endang). Another very famous example of transgenic animals would be the mouse with the human ear. This is also very useful, as it would help regain the intensity of hearing for some people or give an overall more aesthetic look for patients who do not have ears. The mouse is able to grow the outer ear on its back and it is then transferred onto a human via. surgery (Kruszelnicki, Karl).
Transgenic animals, in terms of the medical field, can be used to provide nutritional supplements. Certain hormones, insulin, and blood anti-clotting factors are in the process of being extracted through the milk of transgenic cows, sheep, and goats. Research is also being completed to determine and alter cow milk that will treat certain diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis. Transgenic cows are being created so that they carry high protein rich milk and this milk can be given to babies and/or seniors who have certain digestive needs(Margawati, Endang).
AGRICULTURAL FIELD:
Transgenic animals can also be used in the field of agriculture for selective breeding that will allow for the presence of animals with specific traits, such as more milk production in terms of cows. Initially, farmers would try to get various cows to breed together, however, that is very time consuming and difficult. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that cows are able to increase milk production through altering their genes.
Transgenic animals are trying to be made so that they have immunity towards certain diseases. This would help prevent the spread the disease as the animals wouldn’t contract them in the first place therefore other animals within the same area wouldn’t be affected nor would the meat of the animal (Margawati, Endang). For instance, transgenic cattles have the ability to resist the contraction of mad cow disease (Fraser Douglas, Barry LeDrew, Angela Vavitas, and Meredith White-McMahon 387).
ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD:
Transgenic animals, moving away from humans also have the ability to help out the environment. Scientists have been able to create an Enviropig, who has been genetically altered so that they produce an enzyme called phytase. Phytase helps digest phosphorus, therefore, there is less phosphorous in the manure. The manure when it is used on land there is fewer phosphorus escaping into ponds, streams, and rivers. This prevents algal growth which kills fish and prevents the water quality from reducing. Through the transgenic pig, farmers are saving costs as they don’t have to use factory produced phytase and it is also more environmentally friendly (Enviropig).