Genetically Modified Animals

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Genetically modified animals are an important category of the genetically modified organisms (EFSA, 2012). From EFSA and Paul Arnold (2013), genetic engineering of an animal involves manipulating or modifying the genetic code of the targeted animal to alter their original characteristics and introduce certain desired traits to the animal by adding to, substituting with or removing from genes of interest in a way that does not occur naturally (EFSA, 2012; Arnold, 2013). The genes of interest can be derived from another animal of the same species, an animal of another species, or even an organism of another kingdom (Arnold, 2013). Through the breakthroughs of genetic engineering techniques such as the recombinant DNA, genetic cloning, analysis of genes expressions and genomic mapping, scientists are able to produce the LMOs especially animals with better quality traits (Margawati, 2003).
The first genetically modified animal was produced by Rudolf Jaenisch and Beatrice Mintz in 1974 during the investigation process of the mechanism of vertical transmission of tumour virus and the possible activation during later life by injecting the Simian virus 40 DNA into mouse embryos then implanting the embryos in female mice (Jaenisch & Mintz, 1974).Later, the scientists had developed techniques which responsible for transgenic mice, rats, rabbits, sheep, and pigs in the early 1980s, and also established many of the first transgenic models of human disease. To date, the scientists proposed that there are three basic methods that are commonly used to produce the LMOs which are DNA microinjection, retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and embryonic stem cell-mediated gene transfer (Margawati, 2003). The LMOs produced contribute greatly in the huma...

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...earn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/pharming/
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Vilotte, J-L. (2002). Lowering the milk lactose content in vivo: Potential interests, strategies and physiological consequences. Reproduction Nutrition Development, 42, 127-132.
Wheeler, M. B. (2013). Transgenic Animals in Agriculture. Nature Education Knowledge, 4(11).
Whitelaw, C. B. A., & Sang, H. M. (2005). Disease-resistant genetically modified animals. Revue scientifique et technique de l`office international des epizooties, 24(1), 275-283.
Yamanouci, K. (2005). Regulatory considerations in the development and application of biotechnology in Japan. Revue scientifique et technique de l`office international des epizooties, 24(1), 109-115.

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