A research study published in PLOS One reported that milk obtained from transgenic (genetically-modified) goat can treat diarrhea in children.
Globally, diarrhea is one of the leading killer diseases among children that claim lives of about 1.8 million children.
With the advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology, researchers modified a goat’s gene to secrete lysozyme-rich milk. Lysozyme is an anti-bacterial biochemical that is present in human’s secretions including tears, saliva, sweat and breast milk. Lysozyme plays a vital role in neutralization of bacterial infections in the stomach and prevents diarrheal diseases.
The novel research has been conducted by Dr. James Murray and his associates from the University of California. The team modified a goat’s gene by insertion of lysozyme-secreting gene with the milk-secreting gene. Then the milk was fed to pigs in which diarrhoeal diseases were experimentally induced.
To check the efficacy, the results were compared with the pigs fed with normal goat’s milk.
When compared to normal milk fed animals, transgenic milk fed animals recovered rapidly from diarrhoeal diseases.
The team suggested for further research in the core area to exploit other potential benefits in livestock and to prevent other infectious diseases all over the world.
The team suggested for further research in the core area to exploit other potential benefits in livestock and to prevent other infectious diseases all over the world.
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