Genetic Engineering in Livestock (2009)

Recently, the first „zoopharming“ product was given market approval. It is a recombinant human protein for medical use that is produced in the milk of transgenic goats. In addition, other transgenic animals, including faster-growing salmon and „environmentally friendly“ pigs with reduced levels of phosphate in their faeces are awaiting regulatory approval. These are just a few examples of upcoming genetic engineering applications in farm animals. Other potential applications include traditional breeding goals such as higher milk or meat yields, leaner meat, and disease resistance. While genetic engineering in livestock opens up a huge range of opportunities, it also raises concerns about safety and ethical issues: does genetic engineering affect animal welfare? Is it safe and morally acceptable to apply genetic engineering to farm animals for the various purposes that are envisaged?

It is against this background that the European Academy of Technology and Innovation Assessment GmbH and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities addressed the topic of transgenic farm animals at an interdisciplinary symposium in 2007. In these proceedings the following topics are covered: an analysis of the state of the art of the technology and its applications, an introduction to the specific application zoopharming (including its historical industrial development and the market for biopharmaceuticals), an assessment of ethical aspects, and reflections on the investigation of the animal welfare implications of livestock biotechnology. The proceedings are intended for science, industry, politics and the general public interested in the opportunities and risks presented by this upcoming field of biotechnology.

The preface, table of contents and specimen pages are available on the publisher’s website. The electronic or print version of the book can be ordered there, too.