The first major breakthrough came in January 1998, when Genzyme Transgenics created transgenic cattle named George and Charlie. The result of splicing human genes and bovine cells, they were cloned to make milk that contains human proteins such as the blood-clotting factor needed by hemophiliacs. Strolling through the Brave New Barnyard, one can find incredible beings that appear normal but are genetic satyrs and chimera. Here cows produce lactoferrin, a human protein useful for treating infections. Goats manufacture antithrombin III, a human protein that can prevent blood clotting, and serum albumin, which regulates the transfer of fluids in the body.
Sheep produce alpha antitrypsin, a drug used to treat cystic fibrosis.
Pigs secrete phytase, a bacterial protein that enables them to produce less of the pollutant phosphorous in their manure, and chickens are bred to make lysozyme, an antibiotic, in their eggs to keep their own infections down. In order to produce vast quantities of BioSteel, Nexia Biotechnologies intend to house thousands of goats in 15 weapons-storage buildings, confining them in small holding pens. Dr. Thomas Wagner Animals are genetically engineered and cloned for yet another reason, to produce a stock of organs for human transplant. Given the severe shortage of human organs, thousands of patients every year languish and die before they can receive a kidney, liver, or heart. For many scientists, however, the main concern is that the human body rejects animal organs as foreign and destroys them within minutes.