According to the European Food Safety Authority, genetic modification of an

animal involves "altering its genetic material by adding, changing or removing

certain DNA sequences in a way that does not occur naturally." These
modifications are made in order to achieve a particular attribute e.g. higher fat
percentage or disease resistance, and are then passed on to next generations.
Currently, this new technology has only been applied to plants in agriculture, or
in select microorganisms but research has commenced to explore the possibility
of genetically modified animals (GMOs).

Advantages of GMOs
1. Animal Efficiency
Genetically modified animals can be changed so that they have a more efficient
feed conversion ratio (FCR). Farmers will need to grow less food, while animals
maintain the same growth rate. This is economically beneficial to the farmer.
Animals can also be adapted to have a more successful reproduction rate, so that
production and profit can be increased. For example, ewes modified to have a
higher reproduction rate with a 2:1 ewe to lamb ratio will result in double the
amount of return the farmer receives. Furthermore, animals can be "improved"
to have more effective disease resistance, which decrease labour and cost of
vaccination and medication as well as dramatically lowering mortality and
morbidity rates in the livestock.

2. New/specific Foods
Genetically modified animals can be genetically altered to be more nutritious, or
more desirable to a market. Different cultural/other groups can be targeted and
have their needs met. For example, modification of animals to produce less fat
will means that those with medical conditions may still be able to eat meat. This
is similar to people with allergies or severe anaphylaxis, making it safe to
consume foods to maintain health.

3. Medical uses
It has been suggested that GMOs can have various medical uses, like organ
transplantations to humans. The transformation of animal organs by changing a
part of their DNA could create body parts which are compatible for human use,
which could possibly save lives. It has been researched that pigs have very
similar heart and kidneys to humans. With future genetic modification, it may be
possible that pigs may become efficient organ donors. Additionally, though
donated human blood is currently used, GMOs can also be used to produce
important medicinal products to treat human conditions, providing a large
amount of possibilities for medical trial.
Disadvantages of GMOs

1. Unethical (food companies will not use)

Many people believe it is unethical to 'create' an animal, an unnatural change to
the "natural order of the universe." In addition, there are beliefs that it is
unethical to modify a part of a living body, without a comprehensive
understanding of the results. Religious viewpoints should also be considered, of
whether modifying DNA, often used as a symbol of life, is something that God
sees as sinful. It must also be considered when the start of a "life" is, as it can be
thought of as the moment of conception. Therefore, when numerous batches of
eggs and sperm are joined, large numbers of lives are creates. Only a small
fraction of these are used, and the rest are disposed of. This is unethical as it can
be seen as killing those lives. Due to these controversial opinions, many food
companies will refuse to use GMOs.

2. Ecological Impact
Genetically modified animals possess traits which have not been adapted over
time in their specific ecosystems. These animals may disturb the predator-prey
relationship between animals, become competition for a predator species, or
bring in new disease which organisms in the ecosystem do not have a resistance
to. Furthermore, GMOs with superior characteristic can become dangerous to
endangered species within short periods of time due to the lack of opportunity to
adapt.

3. Animal Rights
Animal rights must also be considered when dealing with genetically modified
animals. The result of genetic modification could possibly be death, or an
affected natural life. This does not follow the guidelines which enforce the
welfare and protection of animals. Additionally, it is also considered a breach of
animal rights as we utilise animals for human uses.

4. Lower Genetic Diversity

Finally, the creation of a "superior" breed means that the species may be
produced lots of time. This significantly decreases genetic diversity, making
them more susceptible to diseases and easier to become extinct.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/genetically-modified-animals
https://www.animallaw.info/article/brief-summary-genetic-engineering-and-
animals
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/biotechnology_1.shtml#h1
http://visionlaunch.com/pros-and-cons-of-genetically-modified-animals/#
http://connectusfund.org/9-biggest-pros-and-cons-of-transgenic-animals
http://www.yourgenome.org/debates/is-it-ethical-to-genetically-modify-farm-
animals-for-agriculture