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1. Cloning and Genetic Engineering Defined

2. Brief History Of Genetics

3. Current Applications Of Genetic Engineering

4. Cloning Techniques A - Cells

5. Cloning Techniques B - Animals

 The livestock industry also seeks to benefit from the use of genetic technology.  Genetic engineering can improve the genes of animals (and plants) by reducing the possibility of diseases.  In cows, for example, higher yields of meat or milk can be brought forth.  Built-in disease resistance has begun to fight against the severe menace that rampant diseases can have on the livestock industry.  Genetic variations can also promote faster growth, which means less time and expense before the farmer can achieve market value for an animal's meat. 

Transgenic organisms, organisms that contain genes from other species, have also been created for mainly agricultural uses. Current transgenic animals include various species of commercially raised fish, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and hogs. Typically they are produced by injecting outside DNA into the nuclei of young embryos or egg cells. An alternate method of inserting foreign DNA is through a procedure called "vortex mixing." Here the eggs are vigorously stirred in a mixture with DNA and silicon–carbide needles. The needles poke holes in the eggs through which DNA can gain entry. Using these techniques, larger fish, rabbits, cows and pigs have been produced. Also, the beef from cattle, for example, is leaner and dairy cows can raise the level of their milk production.

The uses of transgenic animals goes far beyond just the production of food. For example, lactoferin is a protein that aids in the transport of iron. Lactoferin can now be generated from the milk of transgenic cows. Would you ever think of a pig as a producer of human hemoglobin? Probably not, yet this too is now a reality.

However, use of genetic engineering in livestock has not come without its problems.  There have been increased instances of mutation and rampant overgrowth, which has caused scientists to re-evaluate the effectiveness of genetically engineered livestock.