Livestock
How would you feel if you learned that some of the meat and dairy products on the market today may be coming from the offspring of cloned animals? Although this has not been officially confirmed, a cattle farmer stated that “there is good evidence that lots of those offspring have entered the food stream in recent years” [10.1]. Even though the FDA has ruled that clones and their offspring are safe to consume, there are still many skeptics. Scientists are concerned as they are still not sure about the long term effects on humans.
ViaGen, a Texas based cloning company, has cloned all kinds of animals. They have cloned rodeo horses, bucking bulls, and dogs, although they are primarily known for cloning livestock. On their website, they advertise cloning for pigs, sheep, goats, and cows. The company claims that cloning will help “improve performance, quality, consistency and predictability within your herd” whether it be “for show or for food production.” [10.2].
In the next few years, there will surely see more clones on the market. We will know about it, maybe not, but we can assume that it is coming. Many are willing to give it a try, as it will hopefully help produce leaner and healthier products. It may also be the answer to food shortages in countries where it is needed. But for those who are still concerned about safety, your best bet is to go organic.
[10.4]-Top dairy and beef producing cows are sometimes cloned to keep high quality animals in the herd.
[10.3]-Show goats are often being cloned as well.