Benefits of Transgenic Animals

Introduction

Transgenic animals are modified to be studied and tested via genetic engineering. Biotechnology and genetic engineering produce numerous products for the benefit of humankind and other developments. Still, the product requires a series of events in which one of the most important events is trial and testing on transgenic animals. 

The transgenic animals can range from rats, mice, cats, and even cows that are used in the field. 

The use and exploitation of these animals have always been a significant issue in the entire bioethical community. Still, one must understand that without using these animals, there is no way the products are going to get the accuracy and effect required. In the article, we have tried to mention some of the most significant advantages of transgenic animals. 

Benefits of Transgenic animals

• Development and normal physiology

Transgenic animals are more than just experimental animals,  they can emulate how the human body will react if the same product is injected or inserted into the human body. The alteration of the animals’ developmental patterns and normal physiology will significantly benefit the product. Once the animal’s required developmental and physiological state is achieved, further testing could be done to get the final product. 

The entire understanding of the human body’s normal physiology depends on how such a similar condition is seen in transgenic animals. It is one of the important benefits of Transgenic animals. 

• Study of the specific disease

The next significant advantage of using transgenic animals for the research purpose will be the accurate study of specific diseases one is trying to research. The latter is preferred when it comes to trials on humans and animals because risking a human life is much more fatal and harmful. Severe conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s can be improved by unique DNA engineering and modification. Using a transgenic animal to replicate the condition and further work on the cure is not a bad idea. Many significant gene alterations were only possible because of the study of disease in a transgenic animal.  

• Biological products

The transgenic animals in the production of different biological products are very appreciated. There are numerous products that are extracted from transgenic animals and are being used in humans for improving the quality of life. 

Recombinant DNA technology and its alteration use many transition animals to deliver the final product. The unique human protein used in treating emphysema is a biological product obtained from these animals. These animals are injected with the portion of the DNA required to produce or replicate. Once they are inserted inside the organism with special alteration techniques, we can get the biological products required.

Similarly, attempts were made to treat phenylketonuria and cystic fibrosis. The first-ever transgenic cow was named Rosie and was injected with the DNA containing human protein, which enabled the cow to produce milk similar to that produced by a lactating female. The cow had a balanced amount of milk, and the milk was used for human babies to nourish them in case their mothers were not able to produce enough milk. 

• Vaccines

Today, we have witnessed the usage of vaccines and the development of these vaccines with different stages of the trial. Before going to the human trial, these vaccines have been tested on transgenic animals. If the vaccines are not tested accordingly on these animals, they can cause severe damage to the human system. This damage could be life-threatening, so using these vaccines on animals is always good before trying them on actual humans. 

• Chemical Safety Testing

Chemical Safety Testing is a term used to test chemicals on different organisms to know the exact toxicity related to the chemical. Some people argue that inducing toxicity to animals is not the right way of testing. But on the other hand, if viewed practically, using a chemical in a living system can tell a lot about its reaction and side effects. It is always a good option for developing better chemicals that a human could further use.  

Disadvantages of Transgenic Animals

• High expenses

Creating transgenic animals is a very expensive process. It takes extended time for gestation, higher litter size, and the maintenance money requirement is also high for the recipient animals. 

• Greater mortality rates

The mortality rate for transgenic breeds is usually very high and experiments can result in more adverse effects on the subject animals. 

Above in the article, we tried to mention some of the advantages and disadvantages of transgenic animals. These animals have a huge contribution to the testing and development of biological products that are chemically and genetically engineered. These animals have been modified to provide better advantages for humans. It’s one among the list of benefits of transgenic animals. 

Conclusion

Here we learned about the benefits of transgenic animals. Each of the benefits are described in detail that you must read thoroughly to learn their importance. Also, towards the end we have talked about the origin and discovery of transgenic animals for more knowledge and understanding.