Cloning

 Cloning in animal biology is a process which has become more popular in the past 20 years among the scientific community as it allows scientists to produce a genetic replica of an animal or modify an offspring’s genes to fit a breeders requirements; in the beginning transgenesis (the displacement and relocation of genes) was the most popular method to achieve this however, further research means that cloning can now be achieved by manipulation or deletion of genes using chemicals and radiation (Ormandy et al., 2011).

The benefits of cloning are numerous such as modifying genetic material, enhancing and reproducing livestock more successfully and aiding in the reproduction of endangered animals (Ibtisham et al., 2017). Furthermore, cloning gives the option to produce animals with DNA from sterile and even dead animals if enough genetic sampling is taken (Keefer, 2017).

However, it does not come without its problems as cloning has been recorded to cause animal welfare issues due to the risks of offspring having malformities and health issues including the dysfunction of organs and bodily systems; it can also cause pain and serious health issues for the surrogates as genetically altered embryos are often 30% bigger than naturally occurring embryos which cause discomfort during pregnancy (Ibtisham et al., 2017). The concerns for animal welfare are amplified considering that research is still being done and large amounts of animals are needed for successful results as only a small number will survive with only up to 30% of the surviving embryos carrying the genetics they were produced for (Ormandy et al., 2011).

To conclude, although the risks are great to the animals that are involved, cloning and its research are necessary to improving the publics’ way of life and improving scientists’ knowledge on genetics (Ibtisham et al., 2017; Ormandy et al., 2011).

References:
Ibtisham, F.; Fahd Qadir, M. M.; Xiao, M.; An, L.; 2017. Animal Cloning Applications and Issues1. Russian Journal of Genetics, [Online]. Issue 53/ part 9, p965-971. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1134/S102279541709006X [Accessed 13 November 2017].

Keefer, Carol L., 2015. Artificial cloning of domestic animals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, [Online]. Volume 112/ part 29, p8874-8878. Available at: http://www.pnas.org/content/112/29/8874.full [Accessed 13 November 2017].

Ormandy, Elisabeth H.; Dale, Julie; Griffin, Gilly; 2011. Genetic engineering of animals: Ethical issues, including welfare concerns. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, [Online]. Volume 52 /Part 5, 544-550. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078015/ [Accessed 12 November 2017].