Animal Productivity and Genetic Diversity: Cloned and Transgenic Animals

Cloning is a reproductive method that can be used to narrow or broaden genetic diversity; it includes somatic cell nuclear transfer and embryonic cell nuclear transfer. Proponents state that cloning can increase the frequency of desirable traits in the cow population. Cloning results in an animal that is genetically identical to the source animal. Transgenics, on the other hand, involves a process where a new gene is introduced or an existing gene is modified by human intervention.

Proponents claim that transgenic technologies can create animals that are genetically "improved" in some way, i.e., more disease resistant or have a smaller environmental footprint. However, a lack of public acceptance is a barrier to more widespread use of these techniques, and the authors of this report recommend that the government develop a regulatory process that addresses consumer concerns and offers realistic expectations of biotechnology.

Public concerns regarding the food safety of meat from cloned animals have been addressed by the Food and Drug Administration's 2008 report which states that milk, meat, and other products from cloned animals are as safe as those from non-cloned animals. No evidence from other reports suggest otherwise, regardless of species. Where cloning is involved, Abnormal Offspring Syndrome (AOS) varies depending on the procedures used. Meat and milk from cloned products are said to be indistinguishable from that of non-cloned animals.

Transgenic processes are used to create more disease-resistant animals by enhancing the immune response of an animal, thereby conferring additional innate protection or by blocking the pathogen entry into the animal. In comparing transgenic animals with vaccinated animals, the genetically modified animals were more protected than those vaccinated. Transgenic alternations could also lead to the modification of milk proteins to create longer, more heat stable milk products for improved food safety, as well as other benefits described in the report.