Transgenic Technology and Animal Welfare

Application of Transgenic Technology in Animal Agriculture

Significant advancements have been made in bovine transgenic technology in the past 20 years. Currently, it is possible to target genetic sequences into predetermined sites in the host DNA, to transfer independent microchromosomes with the capacity to carry hundreds of genes into the bovine genome and to sequentially introduce multiple genetic modifications into a single genome. The most likely...

Recent Advances and Applications of Transgenic Animal Technology

Evolution and animal welfare.

Animal welfare is a topic often thought to reside outside mainstream biology. The complexity of the methods used to assess welfare (such as health, physiology, immunological state, and behavior) require an understanding of a wide range of biological phenomena. Furthermore, the "welfare" of an animal provides a framework in which a diversity of its responses can be understood as fitness-enhancin...

Zoos and Animal Welfare

Despite their popularity and place in our tourism history, in recent years zoos have undergone considerable change in both their structure and function. Whilst remaining attractive places to visit, zoos now seek a new image – one that emphasizes their role in conservation and public education. However, changes in public expectations and the zoo’s own objectives mean that today there is far more...

Vaccines and animal welfare.

Vaccination promotes animal welfare by protecting animal health, but it also has other welfare benefits, e.g. recent investigations have looked at the potential of vaccines in immunoneutering such as immunocastration--a humane alternative to the painful traditional methods. Similarly, vaccination can be used during disease outbreaks as a viable alternative to stamping-out, thus avoiding the wel...