Transgenic farm animals: Progress report

Abstract

The transfer of genetic material by recombinant DNA technology is an innovative method designed to produce animals with an altered genotype. Transgenic animals may demonstrate a variety of new phenotypes through the expression of the exogenous DNA molecule. Mice developed by these methods have shown that a wide range of promoter elements result in predictable patterns of tissue-specific and hormonally regulated fusion gene products. However, only a limited number of promoter elements have been introduced into domestic farm animals. Although several experiments were initially designed to alter the phenotype through increased rate of growth and improved carcass composition, the lack of specificity and regulation of fusion genes has generally resulted in negative side effects. The commercial sector, however, has invested in this new technology with the goal of producing large amounts of valuable human pharmaceutical drugs in a more efficient manner. If this is to be successfully accomplished transgenic animals must maintain their normal physiological characteristics. The challenge we face is to apply this novel approach to the large domestic species without altering their inherent genetic competence. This report updates the research on transgenic farm animals and outlines a strategy for the production of transgenic goats.