Scientists have created genetically modified 300 dairy cows to produce what they call 'human milk' with the same nutritious properties as human breast milk.
In comparison, human milk has always been far more healthier as it contains key nutrients to boost the immune system of babies and reduce the risk of infections.
They used cloning technology to introduce human genes in to the DNA of Holstein dairy cows before the genetically modified embryos were implanted into surrogate cows.
Scientists believe that with this research they could provide an alternative to human breast milk and formula milk for babies (which is an inferior substitute). But they feel, it would take at least 10 years to bring such a product in the supermarkets. Currently, GM food is only sold in UK and Europe only if they pass extensive safety tests.
However, critics of genetically modified foods and animal welfare groups are not happy with this research. They are questioning the safety of milk of genetically modified animals. Also cloning leads to too many animal deaths, still born babies and health problems of most cloned animals, which is not acceptable by every one.
It is true that GM foods if produced in the best manner can be of huge benefit to consumers and to manage the resources of the world but many critics are questioning the move of making cows that provide 'human milk' because they ask what is it going to give us that we don't already have.
Honestly speaking, once upon a time I was quite excited about cloning but when I followed Dolly's life and Ian Wilmut's later response on cloning and its results, I felt that this is not really needed. Cloning in it self has too many issues. The cloned animal or person can never be as good as the real person I feel. It is never going to be the same experience as the original one. Also, we can't forget all these experiments are at the expense of the deaths of so many animals. I don't support that.
Genetically modified foods is one thing but making cows who give 'human milk' is not such a darn necessary of our life. Our lives or humanity does not depend on it, so to speak.
