positively...Transgenic animals are used for three different fields: medical, agricultural, and industrial. Medically, the existence of these animals have yielded amazing results for the development of humankind. We can now grow organs and tissue for the specific use of donation to humans (xenotransplantation). Certain types of transgenic cows produce a substance that helps red blood cell development in men. Agriculturally, genetic modification is a huge breakthrough for our species. It has improved the quantity and quality of our livestock, we can change the texture, colour, taste, even the temperament of the animals we eat. Industrially, transgenic animals are used for material testing and fabrication.
|
negatively...
![Picture](/uploads/5/2/4/2/52423981/3285328.jpg?622)
However, there is a controversy for a reason. Even if there were no moral dilemmas in regards to transgenic animals, the success rate of transgenesis is very low. For example gene transfer studies revealed that only 0.6% of transgenic pigs were born with a desired gene after 7,000 eggs were injected with a specific transgene. Yet, when the transgenesis is successful, it's a horror show within itself. There is great concern of the welfare of the animals, as they are neglected, abused, given incurable diseases, all for the benefit of humankind. There are also environmental concerns; the animals post a significant threat if they escape, often damaging the entire ecosystem they are introduced to and extremely dangerous for their wild counterparts. Mice, rats, mussels, fish, and insects have all been reported of doing major damage. Then there is the concern of specifically breeding colonies to benefit us. Meddling where we are most likely not supposed to be meddling.