Cloned cow in Argentina to produce “human milk”

Introduction of modified genes in a cloned calf are to cause it to produce human breast milk when it grows up.Photo : V. Ganesan

Argentinian scientists have introduced modified genes in a cloned calf that are to cause it to produce a kind of human breast milk when it grows up.

The cow named Rosita ISA had two human genes introduced, which guide the production of two proteins contained in human milk and which are important for the nutrition of babies, Argentina’s National Institute of Agrobusiness Technology near Buenos Aires said Thursday.

When the cow is fully grown, it was expected to give milk similar to that of humans. It would contain lactoferrin and lysozyme, which offer infants better antibacterial and antiviral protection than the normal cow’s milk provides.

The calf was born on April 6, and scientists would have to wait about two years before it gives birth and produces milk.