Transgenic animals are those animals whose genomes are changed so that they can carry other specie’s genes. These genes can be imagined as store house of information which regulates the form and functions of our body. These genes can be changes with the help of artificial means and as a result some characteristics are changed which results in a transgenic animals.

Transgenic animals and their contributions

Transgenic animal’s benefits to human welfare can be seen in Medicinal, Agricultural and Industrial areas.

1. Medicines:

Days are not very far when transgenic animals will contribute for organ transplant. For example, transgenic pigs can provide organs for transplant but pig proteins are very likely to reject donor and research is going on to replace pig protein with human protein. Transgenic animals which can produce milks are vey useful for medicines. You can also find one transgenic cow which produces a substance which is very helpful for the growth of human red cells. In India one transgenic fish has been developed which grows very faster than the natural one.

2. Agriculture:

Transgenesis can help farmers to develop specific traits in animals which in turn help them to increase their yields. It can also help in improving the size of the livestock genetically. There are transgenic cows which produce milk containing less lactose or produce more milk. Scientists are also trying to produce livestock which are disease-resistant.

3. Industry:

In Canada two scientist genes of spliced spider into lactating goats’ cells. These goats started to produce silk with their milk. Scientists extracted these polymer strands from their milk, weaved them into thread and created a flexible, tough, light material which can find its applications in military uniforms, strings of tennis racket, medicinal microsutures etc.

The transgenic animals have revolutionized the entire scenario as transgenic technology can bring a new potential in each and every field of our concern.