TRANSGENIC LIVESTOCK - PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

The notion of directly introducing new genes or otherwise directly man ipulating the genotype of an animal is conceptually straightforward an d appealing because of the speed and precision with which phenotypic c hanges could be made. Thus, it is of little wonder that the imaginatio n of many an animal scientist has been captivated by the success other s have achieved by introducing foreign genes into mice. private sector has embraced transgenic livestock technology resulting in formation o f two new industries. However, before transgenic farm animals become a common component of the livestock production industry, a number of fo rmidable hurdles must be overcome. In this brief communication, the te chnical challenges are enumerated and possible solutions are discussed .