TRANSGENEIC COWS

=Transgenic cows= The first transgenic cow was produced in 1997. It is a relatively new technology, but several transgenic breeds have since been developed. Cows are an attractive target for transgenesis because they naturally secrete large quantities of protein in their milk. This means that, if done correctly, the protein encoded by a transgene will be expressed in the cows milk and can easily be isolated. Thus proteins of therapeutic benefit (to treat human diseases) could be produced in large quantities, relatively inexpensively. ==Examples of transgenic cows:== ===Betta & Kappa Casien=== These two proteins are normally produced in milk. Higher concentrations of these proteins increases the value of the milk especially when used for the production of cheese (more cheese per litre is produced and the cheese is often a better quality. Scientists have managed to insert extra copies of these genes into cows to improve the value of the milk produced. ===Beta Lactoglobulin (BLG)=== This protein in milk has been associated with some allergic reactions, preventing some people from consuming milk products. Scientist have inserted DNA sequences that supress the production of this protein. ===Lactoferrin=== Lactoferrin is a valuable iron-binding protein that plays a role in preventing bacterial infections. The human lactoferrin gene has been expressed in transgeneic cows. Some Useful links: [http://biotechlearn.org.nz/focus_stories/transgenic_cows Biotech Learning Hub - Transgenic Cows] [http://biotechlearn.org.nz/focus_stories/transgenic_cows/making_a_transgenic_animal Making a Transgeneic Cow] [http://biotechlearn.org.nz/focus_stories/transgenic_cows/transgenic_cows_making_modified_milk Modified Milk in Transgenic Cows] [http://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/pdf/GE-Animals-in-New-Zealand.pdf Implications of Transgensis in Cows] [http://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/designer-milk--a-milk-of-intrinsic-health-benefit-a-review-2157-7110-1000426.php?aid=41036 Designer Milk] [http://www.lifescientist.com.au//content/biotechnology/news/nz-team-creates-high-protein-gm-milk-600373001 NZ group make high protein milk -kappa casien] [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12548290 kappa & beta casein] [http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v21/n2/full/nbt783.html beta & kappa casien] [http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotechnology/margawati.html Benefits of transgenic animals to humans] [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1511/S00350/fonterra-expands-capacity-in-high-value-lactoferrin.htm high value lactoferrin] [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1695535/ human lactoferrin gene may improve bovine health]