Chinese cows give 'human' milk
Source: Agencies |
June 17, 2011, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINESE scientists have produced a herd of genetically modified cows that make milk which could substitute for human breast milk.
Researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of the China Agricultural University introduced human genetic coding into the DNA of Holstein dairy cow embryos, then transferred the embryos into cow surrogates.
In 2003, after years of testing on mice, scientists managed to create the first cow that could produce milk with the same nutritional properties as human breast milk, but with a taste even stronger and sweeter.
"The genetically modified cow milk is 80 percent the same as human breast milk," said Professor Li Ning, the project's director as well as lead researcher.
"Our modified cow milk contains several major properties of human milk, in particular proteins and antibodies which we believe are good for our health and able to improve our immune system."
More than 300 cloned cattle live on an experimental farm in suburban Beijing, with new calves delivered every week.
Li's team aims to have an affordable form of the milk on the market within three years.
Before the milk can be marketed, for other people as well as babies, stricter safety tests are needed, Li said.
"In fact, we still need to conduct clinical trials on human beings with volunteers and finally prove that the cow milk is good and safe for the elderly, infants and the ill, especially those suffering from chronic diseases," Li said.
"Only after these steps are completed can the government examine it and approve a certificate for its commercial use," Li added.
But the team's breakthrough has drawn criticism from opponents of genetically modified food.
Greenpeace said China had been investing considerably in genetically modified food research despite the lack of a credible, independent system of supervision and inspection. It said genetically modified products should not be allowed to enter the human food chain.
And one Chinese mother of a 14-month-old girl said: "I think natural products are much better. I don't know what might happen if my daughter consumes genetically modified things."
Researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of the China Agricultural University introduced human genetic coding into the DNA of Holstein dairy cow embryos, then transferred the embryos into cow surrogates.
In 2003, after years of testing on mice, scientists managed to create the first cow that could produce milk with the same nutritional properties as human breast milk, but with a taste even stronger and sweeter.
"The genetically modified cow milk is 80 percent the same as human breast milk," said Professor Li Ning, the project's director as well as lead researcher.
"Our modified cow milk contains several major properties of human milk, in particular proteins and antibodies which we believe are good for our health and able to improve our immune system."
More than 300 cloned cattle live on an experimental farm in suburban Beijing, with new calves delivered every week.
Li's team aims to have an affordable form of the milk on the market within three years.
Before the milk can be marketed, for other people as well as babies, stricter safety tests are needed, Li said.
"In fact, we still need to conduct clinical trials on human beings with volunteers and finally prove that the cow milk is good and safe for the elderly, infants and the ill, especially those suffering from chronic diseases," Li said.
"Only after these steps are completed can the government examine it and approve a certificate for its commercial use," Li added.
But the team's breakthrough has drawn criticism from opponents of genetically modified food.
Greenpeace said China had been investing considerably in genetically modified food research despite the lack of a credible, independent system of supervision and inspection. It said genetically modified products should not be allowed to enter the human food chain.
And one Chinese mother of a 14-month-old girl said: "I think natural products are much better. I don't know what might happen if my daughter consumes genetically modified things."
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