Genetically engineered animals in future breeding programs

Abstract: The purpose of this literature review is to investigate what genetically engineered animals are being used for and if genome editing is going to be a useful tool in future animal breeding. Genetically engineered animals have been used within the biomedical research field since the seventies. The techniques of how to manipulate the genome of an organism has been developed from incorporations of transgenes via direct cytoplasmic microinjection into one-cell-stage embryos, to techniques that can change specific bases in the genome without adding transgenes. The most recent technology are referred to as genome editing and it uses engineered nucleases to target and change the bases of interest. This new method for the introduction of mutations is thought to revolutionize the field of livestock production. A few examples of genetically engineered animals are brought up in this review. Improvements made in the animals have been better food utilization, disease resistant traits or more environmentally friendly farm animals. However, the biggest advantage of using genetically engineered animals in livestock production lies within the biomedical research field, and it is believed to do so in the future as well.