Altered Goats Will Produce Human Breast Milk

In the words of Shakespeare – to consume milk from genetically-modified goats or not to consume it? That is the question we could soon be forced to answer. Geneticists in Russia and Belarus (no surprise there) say they have modified dairy goats to give milk containing a protein found in human breast milk.

The molecule in question is called lactoferrin, and its purpose in women's milk is to provide infants with immune protection. It can fight off bacteria and fungi, and is an important part of the early immune system. The protein is also capable of interfering with DNA and RNA directly.

The issue is not whether to consume goat milk or not, but whether you would give your child some of this freshly concocted stuff. It is known that dairy goat milk can be contaminated, primarily when the animals are grown in an unsanitary environment, Inhabitots reports.

However, the new type of milk may turn out to be a good alternative to formula, and may get mothers who can't or won't breastfeed off the hook.