Advances in technology have made previously unimaginable accomplishments like cloning possible. Cloning involves using all the genetic material from a regular body cell to produce an identical replica of a mammal. Unlike traditional methods of reproduction, cloning only necessitates one cell and does not involve sexual reproduction.
Cloning is a contentious issue in society, but it can have several beneficial impacts. While some individuals believe in the development of cloned humans, others, particularly the government, oppose human cloning. There are currently numerous clones of animals, including sheep, goats, cows, mice, pigs, cats, rabbits, and a gaur. Over the past five decades, techniques like in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, embryo splitting, and blastomeric nuclear transfer have become widely used. These techniques offer farmers, ranchers, and pet enthusiasts powerful tools for breeding superior animals.
Many attempts at cloning certain species have been unsuccessful. For instance, the first cloned sheep called “Dolly” was the only lamb that survived to adulthood out of 277 attempts. Despite this, animal cloning has shown many benefits that could have a significant impact on the future of science and benefit humans. Research indicates that multiple essential steps are required for successful animal cloning.
There are three popular methods for cloning animals: the first is Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). SCNT involves transferring the nucleus from a somatic cell to an egg cell. A somatic cell is any cell of the body, excluding germ cells (such as blood cells, heart cells, and skin cells).
The process described involves taking out a nucleus from an unfertilized egg and replacing it with a somatic cell nucleus. The egg, now containing the donated nucleus, is nurtured and divides to form an embryo. This embryo is then transferred to another female for further development. The Roslin technique, developed by researchers at the Roslin Institute, is a modified version of this somatic cell nuclear transfer method.
The researchers employed this technique to generate Dolly by inducing somatic cells to undergo growth and division. Following this, the cells are deprived of nutrients to initiate a suspended or dormant state. Subsequently, an egg cell devoid of its nucleus is positioned near a somatic cell and both cells receive an electric pulse causing them to fuse. The resulting embryo is then permitted to develop.
The embryo is implanted into a surrogate using the traditional technique. Another method known as The Honolulu Technique was created by Dr. Teruhiko Wakayama from the University of Hawaii. In this approach, the nucleus of a somatic cell is extracted and inserted into a nucleus-free egg. The egg is then immersed in a chemical solution and cultured. Next, the developing embryo is placed in a surrogate and allowed to mature. Numerous scientists have utilized various cloning technologies in their research. Currently, some scientists are working on new techniques without disclosing their processes.
Despite being widely used, the Roslin technique brings numerous advantages to society. Animal cloning serves as a valuable method for ensuring the production of high-quality and healthy livestock, fulfilling the nutritional requirements and consumer demand. Both customers and farmers benefit greatly from animal cloning as it enhances the accessibility of superior stock. This technology provides farmers with the assurance of a specific animal’s genetic composition, enabling them to generate safe, healthy, and top-notch food products.
Cloning provides a significant benefit to farmers who rely on selling high-quality milk and dairy products. This breeding technique enables more farmers to preserve and expand proven, superior genetics. Farmers employ various technologies for breeding, such as selective breeding, to obtain animals with desirable traits and maximize their benefits.
Using breeding techniques, farmers have been able to create cows that produce more milk with less lactose and sheep that produce more wool. This new selective breeding technology has been accepted by farmers as an alternative to using growth hormones, which were previously used to promote these qualities. However, the use of growth hormones caused a problem as residue from the hormones would remain in the meat, giving it an unpleasant taste. With the introduction of cloning transgenic animals, researchers were able to develop specific traits in animals, resulting in an improved quality of their yield.
The process of breeding to improve herd quality can be slow and may lead to reduced incomes (Wilmut 23). Relying solely on sexual breeding often results in the loss of desired traits (Freudenrich). However, transgenic animal cloning offers a solution by providing higher quality meats and dairies without artificial hormones. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed in January 2008 that edible products from normal, healthy clones or their offspring do not pose greater risks compared to conventional animals. Consequently, the use of animal cloning products was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration after 2008, benefiting ranchers with numerous advantages.
Ranchers will have the opportunity to choose and breed superior animals, such as lean and tender beef cattle. Furthermore, they can develop animals that possess increased resistance to diseases, benefiting the overall health of the herd and minimizing the requirement for medical intervention. Animal cloning additionally provides a means to restore extinct animals, such as castrated horses or deceased animals, by producing a genetic identical twin.
This new assisted reproductive technology can enable the preservation of a genetic lineage that may not be achievable otherwise. Cloning methods are assisting in the reproduction of robust and healthy animals. An illustration of this is seen in Southeast Asia where banteng and gaur, both meat-type bovines, have been cloned as part of efforts to boost populations of endangered species. Additionally, in China, scientists are conserving giant Panda cells as a precaution against the possibility of their extinction.
Multiple farmers disagree with this approach due to the risk of reducing the genetic diversity within the gene pool. Numerous farmers adhere to the essential principles of selective breeding, which emphasize the need to maintain a significant level of genetic variation. Failure to do so can result in problems arising from inbreeding (Bruce). This, in turn, prompts concerns regarding potential negative consequences associated with inbreeding. Jeffrey Rushen, a researcher at Dairy and Swine Research and Development, contends that there is currently no substantiated evidence to determine whether or not inbreeding leads to a higher incidence of lameness or associated side effects. Preventing the occurrence of inbreeding can be easily accomplished by avoiding any close breeding between closely related livestock.
Overall, animal cloning offers a higher likelihood of improving yield quality, such as increasing milk production and meat quality, rather than experiencing issues with limited gene pools. Animal cloning has various practical applications in the scientific and medical fields today. Primarily, these techniques can be utilized in humans to develop drugs for combating diseases or producing natural human cells that are lacking in certain individuals. While the prospect of cloning humans remains controversial and sensitive for those with strong moral or religious beliefs, advancements in cloning procedures may eventually make it possible. Additionally, cloning animals can also provide solutions for various diseases.
However, there are individuals who believe that the use of animal cloning for curing diseases is inhumane to animals and primarily driven by monetary gain. Dr. Donald Bruce, in a press release addressing animal cloning, argues that commercial convenience is not a valid reason for intervening and modifying animals to such an extent. He considers this act as a violation of the animal’s integrity, reducing them to mere monetary value in the eyes of researchers and consumers (Bruce).
Despite Dr. Donald’s clear statement and valid point, it is important for him to acknowledge the restricted scope of protein production in milk from genetically modified animals. The researchers’ main objective is to assist in disease treatment when traditional methods prove ineffective, rather than mistreating animals or solely pursuing profit. Genetically modified animals also serve a purpose in curing human ailments.
Transgenic animal cloning has the potential to benefit humans by deliberately modifying an organism’s genetic makeup. This modification can have positive impacts on agriculture, medicine production, and industrial processes. Furthermore, it holds promise in treating various diseases through the transplantation of genetically altered cells.
Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases are all characterized by the loss of specific brain cells. Initial studies propose that introducing fetal pig brain cells into patients’ brains could potentially alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This approach may also be used to address diabetes, a widespread condition. Currently, individuals with diabetes depend on insulin therapy for treatment, which is not an optimal solution and does not offer a cure.
The potential solution for the disease is to transplant genetically modified animal pancreatic islet cells. These cells can secrete insulin like healthy human cells in response to changing glucose levels, offering hope for thousands or even millions of suffering patients.
Research indicates a significant need for human organs, with over 40,000 Americans currently on the transplantation waiting list. Regrettably, it is anticipated that one-third to one-half of these individuals will die before a suitable organ becomes accessible. The chances of receiving a heart or lung, for example, are slim as the only option is to wait until another person dies.
Xenotransplantation involves transplanting organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another as a solution to the global shortage of donated human organs for transplants. Through animal cloning, scientists have successfully created transgenic pigs with the same genetic makeup as humans. Pigs are preferred for this purpose due to their affordability, accessibility, ease of breeding, and ability to be genetically modified to decrease organ rejection in recipients.
Pig heart valves are employed in human heart repairs following a tanning procedure that renders them immunologically inactive. Through the use of xenotransplantation methods, individuals can experience a renewed existence and lead normal lives. Nevertheless, the matter of animal cloning is contentious as certain individuals object to it based on perceived hazards and intricacy.
Furthermore, the likelihood of effectively cloning an animal is minimal, around one percent. Despite its potential for groundbreaking advancements in medicine, cloning raises ethical and social concerns as with any emerging technology. Cloned animals have the potential to augment food and meat production, aid in diverse medical research endeavors, and contribute to the resurrection of extinct species using DNA utilization.
Works Cited
- Bruce, Dr. Donald. “Cloning, Ethics and Animal Welfare SRT Comment on Farm Animal Welfare Council Report. ” Society, Religion and Technology Project. 5 December 1998. 22 October 2003. http://www. srtp. org. uk/cloning. shtml
- Freudenrich, Craig. “Why Clone? ” How Cloning Works. 21 October 2003. http://science. howstuffworks. com/genetic-science/cloning. htm/printable
- Margawati, Endang. “Trangenic Animals: Their Benefits to Human Welfare. ” Bio Science Production. 2002-2003. 21 October 2003.
- “Medical Uses for Animal Cloning. ” Cows and Humans and Corn.. . Oh My!. 22 October 2003.
- Tanne, Janice. “Xenotransplantation: Huge Benefits, Hard Choices. ” 2 Nov. 2003.
- Wilmut, Ian. “Cloning Can Help Humans and Animals. ” Cloning. Minnesota. 2003 Pg. 19-53.
