Transgenic Animals

The term transgenic animal refers to an animal in which there has been a deliberate modification of the genome –the material responsible for inherited characteristics. An animal is transgenic once scientist inserts DNA from another organism. This process allows scientists to transfer beneficial genes from a different animal, bacterium, or plant Currently scientists are developing transgenic pigs, cattle, fish and poultry. Research into transgenic animals could prove useful in several ways. Scientists can provide animals with beneficial genes or traits, such as diseases resistance, that will improve their quality of life and bolster waning populations. Transgenoc animals may also be designed for organ production, helping to ease the critical shortage of kidneys and livers available for transplants. In addition, scientists are researching ways to produce proteins or drugs in transgenic animals. Transgenic aquaculture research will hasten the development of high-quality, economical seafood, as well as protect stressed marine populations. Specifically, the environmental and nutritional benefits resulting from aquaculture outweigh potential risks, which include the runoff of pollutants into closed or semi-closed waterways; the elimination of coastal forests and ecosystems; the potential for increases in waterborne disease and parasites; and sustainability. The present text is design to provide an overview of transgenic animals. The chapters include: Biotechnology and transgenic animals, Transgenic animal technology, techniques for producing transgenic and somatotransgenic animals, Transgenic mice, Transgenic fishes, Transgenic sheep and, Transgenic livestock, Pharming transgenic farm animals, Applications of transgenic animals, The future of transgenic organisms. In the end References and, Important Web sites and Glossary have been appended.