Animal Biotechnology:

An Overview
Lecture 2
Human and Animal Interactions

 Food (Milk, Meat, Eggs, Blood, Rennet)

 Locomotion/Mechanical Power
 Companionship/Rodent Control/
 Protection/Herding
 Fiber (Feathers, Wool, Hides)
 Fuel (Dung, Bones)
 Shelter (Hides, Bones)
 Medicines (Insulin, Heparin)
What’s Different Now?

 Improvements in isolating/characterizing naturally occurring desirable

traits by chromosomal mapping, other technologies

 Accelerated introduction of naturally occurring desirable traits by assisted

reproductive technologies (ART)

 Introduction of new traits by using tools of modern biotechnology 

genetic engineering
Current development in animal
biotechnology
1. Animal biotechnology covers many well established procedures of
conventional livestock breeding such as performance testing and the use of
artificial insemination, as well as major developments in reproductive
physiology over recent decades such as in vitro fertilization (test tube baby)
and embryo transfer (surrogacy).
2. Recent development in animal biotechnology – genetic modification and
nuclear transfer.
3. Genetic modification of animal was first achieved with mice in 1980, and of
cattle, sheep and pigs by about 1985.
4. Nuclear transfer – whole nuclei, and the genes which they carry are
transferred. Example the sheep Dolly.
Why are animals used instead of genetically
modified microbes or plants?

There are two main reasons.

1. Closer biochemical similarity to human.
- e.g. a gene that produces the protein alpha-1-antitrypsin can
be inserted into plant, but plant lack the mechanism to attach
carbohydrate groups to this protein.

2. They can make large amounts of product.

- e.g. extracting large quantities of a therapeutic protein from
animal milk is technically more straightforward than purifying it
from the chambers of cultured plant or microbial cells.
- Economically feasible way of making protein.
What are the technologies involve in
Animal Biotechnology?
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTS)

Natural Selective AI ± Frozen In Vitro Embryo Animal

Breeding Breeding Semen Fertilization Split Cloning

Likelihood of Desired Genetic Outcome for

Naturally Occurring Traits
Genetic Engineering Is a Tool Separate From ARTS
Natural Selective AI ± Frozen In Vitro Embryo Animal
Breeding Breeding Semen Fertilization Split Cloning

Likelihood of Desired Genetic Outcome

Genetic
((( (((

Engineering

Animals With Animals With

Non-Heritable Heritable
Constructs Constructs
The Methods Are Different

Assisted Reproductive
Technologies Genetic Engineering

Accelerates the Introduces Specific,

Introduction of Naturally Desirable Traits That May
Occurring Desirable Or May Not Be Naturally
Traits into Herds Occurring
Clones v GE Animals

≠
Clones may be thought of as “Twins GE animals have altered or additional
separated in time”. genetic material.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTS)
1. Natural Breeding
 Pros:
-Bull does all the work, so not spending hours heat detecting each day.
-No facilities needed, cows can get bred right out in the pasture.
 Cons:
-Can not match each bull to each cow, and sometimes multiple bulls need to
be used to breed heifers vs. cows.
-If replacement heifers are being retained, a new or different bull is needed
to breed the replacement heifers too.
-Bull must be fed and cared for, even when they are not out breeding cows.
-High quality bulls cost a lot of money vs. the cost to purchase semen from a
similar A.I. sire.
2. Selective Breeding
Pros
 1. It is a free process that can be undergone by plants and animals especially,
in agricultural businesses. Since it is free, people just need to be well-
equipped with the knowledge regarding the process in order to get the best
breeding outcome.
 3. People need not to worry about their safety because in selective breeding,
no safety failures are concerned since you are assured that doing the process
will be definitely safe and secured.
 People are comfortable with selective breeding since they are assured that
the process will completely give them superior type of products which are of
high quality.
Cons
 1. This process completely removes the differences of every organism in a
certain population.
 2. Selective organisms that have undergone selective breeding processes are
at risk of some diseases and changes in the environment due to the breeding
process they are going to undergo.
 3. Selective breeding will not able to control the formation of genes that can
be inherited by the offspring. By these, error in the process would be evident
that may affect both the organism who are undergoing the selective breeding
process.
 4. Since selective breeding can create offspring that are of different traits,
the permanent trait or its previous trait before undergoing the process would
be completely lost.
 5. It also reduces genetic diversity and organisms would be at risk of the so
called inbreeding depression.
3. Artificial Insemination
 Pros:
-Gives you the opportunity to use superior genetics from a sire that you could
never afford to purchase.
-When breeding season is over, you do not have a bull, or a lot of bulls to feed
and keep from tearing down every fence on the property.
-Allows the ability to produce consistency withing the calf crop by using a
single sire, or a similar genetic line of bulls
-Calves can be born closer together through synchronization.
-Even the smallest herds can get cows bred within budget, rather than
purchasing a bull to breed 2, 3, or even 15 cows.
 Cons:
-Requires cow to be handled extra, along with requiring better facilities and
extra labor to get the job done.
-Time restrains if you have to hire a technician to do the A.I. ing
4. In Vitro Fertilization
 Refers to the fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon outside of the body.
 1930s - 1st attempt at animal IVF began (Bavister, 2002), used rabbit oocytes and
spermatozoa but were unsuccesssful.
 1951 – discovery of sperm capacitation by Austin and Chang. They found that
spermatozoa need to develop and undergo changes in female reproductive tract
before fertilization can occur.
 1959 – a rabbit born, the 1st mammalian IVF birth
Advantages
 Allow for the mass production of genetically superior progeny by allowing females
to produce more offspring.
 Allow for genetically inferior females to be utilized for their birth capabilities,
serving as the recipient female
 Allow for the diversification as species within geographical regions, as embryo can
easily shipped across the globe.
 More cost-efficient and bio-secure method compared to transporting live animal
(Senger, 2003)
Nuclear transfer

 Whole nuclei containing a full set of chromosomes are introduced into a

specially prepared recipient cells whose own chromosomes have been
removed previously.
 The result is a copy, or clone of the donor cell that contains the same genetic
material.
 Example. The famous sheep; Dolly
Genetic Modification

 Covers two types of activities:

1. Altering the genes normally present in an individual in
such a way that the alteration is passed on to (at least
some of) its descendents.
2. Transferring a gene or genes from one individual to
another of the some species, or of a different species.
Why are genetically modified animals produced?
1. To help scientist to identify, isolate and characteristics genes in order to understand more
about their function and regulation.
2. To provide research models of human disease, to help develop new drugs and new strategies
for repairing defective gene (gene theraphy).
3. To provide organs and tissues for use in human transplant surgery.
4. To produce milk which contains therapeutics proteins; or to alter the composition of the milk
to improve its nutritional value for human infants.
5. To enhance livestock improvement programmes.
10 genetically modified animals you
might not know
1. Enviropig

Enviropig, also known as Frankenswine, is a type of pig which was genetically

modified: it contains DNA from the mouse and E. Coli. So it can process and
digest phosphorus better, and then it is unnecessary to feed them with additional
phosphorus. This kind of pig is created for the current issue that normal pig
manure contains high levels of phosphorus, so if it is used as fertilizer, this
chemical gets into the water, leading to algae blooms and oxygen depletion as
well as death of marine life. The enviropig won't need to be fed with phosphorus,
so their manure has quite low level of it, thus they won't do harm to the marine
animals.
2. Web-Spinning Goats

When it comes to natural goods, flexible and strong spider silk

is incredibly valuable. If we were able to make it on a larger
scale, it would be useful for parachute cords, artificial
ligaments, and everything in between. Nexia Biotechnologies
announced in 2000 the creation of one of the genetically
engineered animals to fix this problem. They engineered a
goat which produces the protein found in spiders' webs in its
milk. To do this, they inserted a dragline silk gene from
spiders into goats. You can use the silk milk produced by the
goats to create Biosteel, a web-like material.
3. Fast-Growing Salmon

AquaBounty made their contribution to the world' genetically

modified animals in the form of a fast-growing salmon. This fish is
actually able to grow twice as fast as typical fish, despite having
the same odor, color, texture, and flavor of standard salmon.
These Atlantic salmon were genetically engineered to add the
growth hormone of Chinook salmon so they can produce the
necessary growth hormone throughout the entire year. The
hormone stays activated thanks to a gene of ocean pout, a fish
that is eel-like. There are still debates, however, as to whether
this fish is safe to eat. If the FDA approves them, they would not
need a label indicating that these are genetically modified.
4. Less-Flatulent Cows

Cows are known for their high production of methane, the

second largest factor for the greenhouse effect. Cows
naturally produce methane due to their digestion process,
specifically a bacterium that results from the cow diet of
grass and hay, both of which are high in cellulose.
Agriculture research scientists from the University of
Alberta worked to identify this bacterium that is
responsible for methane. Afterwards, they created cattle
with 25 percent less production of methane compared to
average cows.
5. Sudden-Death Mosquitoes

Some mosquitoes were engineered as a way to fight malaria and dengue

fever. Scientists created sudden-death mosquitos which pass the relevant
gene to their offspring. This gene means that the baby mosquitoes would
die (naturally of old age) before reaching sexual maturity. The issue,
however, is that without mosquitoes, the entire ecosystem would be
affected with facing extinction of bats and other predators.
[Link] Gold Seahorses

You can actually buy a glittering gold seahorse if you really want to.
Vietnamese scientists created this, the first of genetically modified
animals originating from Vietnam. Scientists used the gene shooting
method to insert a mixture of jellyfish proteins and gold dust into the eggs
of a seahorse. While gold seahorses are pretty, gene shooting has many
other implications, such as treating diabetes and other incurable diseases
by replacement of problematic DNA within the body.
7. Mostly Male Tilapia

Over the years, tilapia have undergone genetic modifications to let them
mature much faster, survive on a smaller quantity of food, and grow
larger. Tilapia farmers, however, want to take this a step further and make
male tilapia more common than female ones. This is because females
"mouthbrood", which means they hold their eggs in their mouths over an
extended period of time. During this time, they won't eat anything so they
don't accidentally swallow the eggs, resulting in smaller fish. Because of
mouthbrooding, tilapia farmers rather have males on their farms.
8. Featherless Chicken

Scientists in Israel are responsible for this prototype, which is a

featherless chicken. They are significantly cheaper to raise, more
environmentally friendly, and don't require plucking, which saves time.
The scientists say they bred a species which has naked neck with a
standard broiler chicken. There are, however, some drawbacks. The
feathers on chickens help protect them from harsh weather, parasites, and
even overzealous cocks during mating.
9. Glow-in-the-Dark Rabbit
The glow-in-the-dark rabbit is one of the genetically modified animals that stemmed
from art. Eduard Kac uses genetic engineering for creating works of art that are alive. In
May 2000, he introduced Alba, an albino rabbit that will glow fluorescent when in blue
light, known as his "GFP bunny." The idea to create Alba has a public debate concerning
animals with modified genes for research. He then took Alba home to be his pet. To
create Alba, a French research institute injected fluorescent jellyfish protein in a rabbit
egg which was fertilized. They never agreed for Kac to take Alba home and there were
animal rights debates, but Alba died before the issue could be resolved.
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Cat

The glow-in-the-dark cat was developed as a way to fight feline

immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is related to HIV and typically affects
feral cats. American and Japanese scientists in 2011 inserted genes in cats
to help resist FIV. In order to mark the cells more easily, they also inserted
a green fluorescent protein and both genes transferred to feline eggs. This
let the scientists examine how this resistant gene developed within the
cats by examination under a microscope. The cats are always normal
during the day, but sometimes glow at night.
Risks and Regulations

 There are several concerns about the use of animal biotechnology in agriculture and biomedical
research.
1. Human health concerns
2. Food safety concerns
3. Animal health and welfare concerns
4. Environmental concerns
Human health concerns

 Xenotransplantation
- Although this technology offers many benefit, there are some risks including
infection and rejection.
- Recipients risk direct exposure to recognized and unrecognized infectious
agents such as prions, virus or bacteria.
- There is potential for future generations to become infected through vertical
transmission.
- Immunologic barriers leading to hyperacute rejection.
Human health concerns

 Transgenic animals for biopharmaceuticals.

- Potential risk of the generation of pathogenic viruses by recombination of
vector sequences and related nonpathogenic viruses present in the same
animals.
- There is possibility that surplus animals or their offspring inadvertently
entering the food chain.
Food safety concerns

 Potential food safety concerns about products derived from GE animals, are
mainly related to transgene expression.
 These transgenes could cause proteins to be present in food that could be
allergenic, toxic or have other antinutritional or/and other physiological
effects.
 In 2008, the FDA released their report, which stated that meat and milk from
cloned cattle, swine or goats or their offspring are as safe to eat as
conventionally bred animals.
Animal health and welfare concerns

 This is significant public interest.

 Ethical discussion are asking if these genetic manipulations can cause
unnecessary stress in the animals.
 Example – animal that used in xenotransplantion was specifically housed in
sterile and isolated environments. They may experience stress and develop
behavioral abnormalities.
 animals suffering in the cause of science
Environmental concerns

 The possibility of GE animals entering natural environments (through release

or escape) and disrupting ecosystem.
 Example
1. Animals with high mobility and that have historic records of causing
communities damages (insects, shellfish, fish, mice and rate).
2. Transgenic salmon – pose significant ecologic and genetic risks to native
salmon stocks. So, only sell infertile female salmon which must be grown in
inland tanks.
Regulation of animal biotechnology

United states
1. Most regulations are generally applied only to the products of biotechnology
not to the proceses.
2. Focused on whether the products are safe for use.
3. FDA & USDA – primarily responsible for the regulation of animal
biotechnology in the us.
4. 2009 – FDA released its final guidance statement regarding genetically
engineered animals and products regulation.
- transgenic salmon (still waiting for approval)
- FDA approved the first pharmaceuticals product - ATryn
European Union

1. Consider the biotechnology as a novel process that requires regulation.

2. European Medicines Agency – Regulates the approval of pharmaceuticals
3. European Food Safety Authority – responsible for scientific risk assessment
of food biotechnology.
4. The GMO product must be labeled – this product contains genetically
modified organisms.

The end
Thank you for coming
Tutorial 2
1. Name 3 purposes of interaction between human and animal.
2. Genetic modification of animal was first achieved with ……….. in ………., and of cattle,
sheep and pigs by about 1985.
3. Why are animals used instead of genetically modified microbes or plants?
4. Name 3 technologies of ART.
5. Introduce specific, desirable traits that may or may not be naturally occurring refer to
………………………. technology.
6. Give 2 pros and cons of natural breeding.
7. Dolly the sheep had ………… mothers.
8. Name 5 genetically modified animals.
9. List out 5 concerns about the use of animal biotechnology in agriculture and
biomedical.
10. Name product of pharmaceutical that has been approved by the FDA in us.

All the best 