Question

An example of a GMO animal used in farming is a pig. Making transgenic animals is a controversial process because the animals are used in food production. However, these pigs produce an extra enzyme in their manure that is better for the environment. What are the advantages of creating a transgenic animal instead of synthesizing the enzymes and treating the manure directly?

Answer 1

There are several potential advantages to creating a transgenic animal that produces an extra enzyme, rather than synthesizing the enzyme and treating the manure directly:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Creating a transgenic animal to produce the enzyme can be more cost-effective than synthesizing large quantities of the enzyme in a lab and then adding it to the manure.

2. Efficiency: A transgenic animal can produce the enzyme continuously and in large amounts, whereas adding the enzyme directly to the manure would require repeated treatments to achieve the same effect.

3. Sustainability: By producing the enzyme naturally in the animal's body, there may be less waste generated in the process of treating the manure, which can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

4. Animal welfare: If the enzyme is produced naturally in the animal's body, there may be fewer concerns about the welfare of the animal than if it were given large doses of the enzyme directly.

That being said, the creation of transgenic animals is a controversial process, and there are also potential drawbacks and ethical considerations to take into account.