How are genetically modified animals used in agriculture?

Genetically modified animals in agriculture are primarily used for increased productivity and disease resistance.

Genetically modified (GM) animals are a significant part of modern agriculture, with their use primarily aimed at enhancing productivity and improving disease resistance. This is achieved through the alteration of an animal's genetic makeup to express desirable traits that naturally occur in the species at a higher frequency or to introduce entirely new traits.

One of the most common uses of GM animals in agriculture is to increase productivity. For instance, GM salmon, known as AquAdvantage salmon, grow at twice the rate of their non-GM counterparts. This is due to the introduction of a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon and a promoter gene from the ocean pout, which allows the salmon to grow year-round instead of only during warmer months. This results in a quicker turnover and higher productivity for salmon farmers.

Another significant use of GM animals is to improve disease resistance. This is particularly important in livestock farming, where diseases can quickly spread and decimate entire herds. For example, scientists have genetically modified pigs to be resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a disease that costs the pig industry millions of pounds each year. The modification involves altering a single gene, making the pigs completely resistant to the virus.

GM animals can also be used to improve the nutritional content of animal products. For instance, GM cows have been developed to produce milk with higher levels of specific nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health. This not only improves the nutritional value of the milk but also potentially reduces the need for dietary supplements.

Despite the potential benefits, the use of GM animals in agriculture also raises ethical and environmental concerns. These include issues related to animal welfare, potential impacts on biodiversity, and the risk of GM animals escaping into the wild and interbreeding with non-GM populations. Therefore, the use of GM animals in agriculture is a topic of ongoing debate and research.