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East Lansing An up and coming genetic researcher will speak at Michigan State University about transgenic animals. Keith Young a genetic engineer will be at Anthony Hall on the Michigan State University campus, Wednesday Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. to present “The Benefits of Transgenic animals”. Transgenic animals are genetically modified animals used for many purposes. The two purposes Keith will be speaking about are the use of these animals for pharmaceutical companies and food production. “Transgenic animals are beneficial in that they provide a way to produce human tissues and medication, as well as to make food production easier.” as stated by Keith Young. To produce transgenic animals genes acquired from protein are used. The gene is selected and cut from the DNA and implanted into the embryo desired for production or research. From there the protein can be produced in any location, the most common location is the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a prime location because the protein can be produce in large amounts without affecting the animal’s health Animals have produced medication to help form blood clots, infant formula additives, and treatments for cystic fibrosis. While most of the protein drugs are produced in the milk supply, pigs have been used to produce human hemoglobin, which is a protein found in blood used to carry oxygen. The only draw back to this process is the pig must be slaughter to retrieve the hemoglobin. The first two successful drugs produced were insulin and a human growth hormone. While not on the market they have been successful in the lab. Transgenic animals used for food production produce added protein in the milk supply and hormones in the animal muscle tissue. The protein currently being tested in milk production is casein; it is a naturally occurring protein that aids in the clot of milk for cheese production. Cows were previously selected for an increased production of this protein, but with the current research this is no longer required. Current research is being done on hormone additives in meat animals. These hormones could result in a decrease in the need for hormones to be injected for faster growth and lower body fat. While not much is known about the reaction the public will have on this topic, one can assume it will not be easy to convince them this is beneficial to the future of animal agriculture. People tend to view genetically altering an animal as inhumane, and unethical. Perhaps when the public sees that this process can be beneficial to the economy and human health they will agree that this is a excellent path to produce these technologies. To learn more about transgenic animals visit the web site http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/biotech_info_series/bio10.html. For more information on the speaker call (517) 353-9876