Vol. 8, Special Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s): R Priyadharsini, V Jayalalitha and S Arulkumar

Abstract: By using nutritional and genetic techniques, dairy biotechnology is quickly making progress in the area of modifying milk composition for processing and/or animal and human health. In terms of processing, casein primary structure modification, lipid profile modification, enhanced protein recovery, milk containing nutraceuticals, and infant formula substitution all offer benefits. Some possibilities for "designing" milk for human health advantages include reducing the amount of fat in it, changing the fatty acid profiles to include more beneficial fatty acids like CLA and ω-fats, improving the amino acid profiles, adding more protein, lowering the amount of lactose, and removing β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). Farm animals developed through transgenic technology also secrete human lactoferrin, lysozyme, and lipase in their milk, simulating human milk in terms of both the quality and quantity of these components that are protective to infants. By removing the β-LG gene from cows, the likelihood that children may become allergic to cow milk could be decreased. Genetically modified animals are used to provide milk that contains therapeutic substances for human health, including insulin, plasma proteins, medications, and vaccines. The eventual acceptability of "designer" commodities will be influenced by moral considerations like animal welfare and safety, in addition to improved health benefits and enhanced profitability of goods produced using revolutionary procedures.