Economic
The main purpose of genetically modifying a goat to produce spider skill was to be able to produce mass quantities of silk in a more cost effective way. Now companies or other organizations do not have to spend so much on silk farms that yield a minimal amount of silk that does not meet their demand. Breeding goats to make spider silk proteins make it cheaper and easier for companies to harvest the silk. Which in turn makes it cheaper to buy the silk and this means that using silk in products is now more a reality. We can now more frequently use the amazing properties of silk since the goats produce more quantities can be produced compared to having silk farms
The main purpose of genetically modifying a goat to produce spider skill was to be able to produce mass quantities of silk in a more cost effective way. Now companies or other organizations do not have to spend so much on silk farms that yield a minimal amount of silk that does not meet their demand. Breeding goats to make spider silk proteins make it cheaper and easier for companies to harvest the silk. Which in turn makes it cheaper to buy the silk and this means that using silk in products is now more a reality. We can now more frequently use the amazing properties of silk since the goats produce more quantities can be produced compared to having silk farms
Social
Socially, the GM web-spinning goat gives an example of how genetically modified animals help their community and help people to accept GMO's. In addition to showing people that GMO help, the spider goat also helps show the people of the good uses of spider silk. The goats that are genetically modified to produce silk are a more effective way. So far there is no recorded problems with the goats that have been modified which shows the public that the genetically modified animals are improving so there are less negative effects on the animal.
Socially, the GM web-spinning goat gives an example of how genetically modified animals help their community and help people to accept GMO's. In addition to showing people that GMO help, the spider goat also helps show the people of the good uses of spider silk. The goats that are genetically modified to produce silk are a more effective way. So far there is no recorded problems with the goats that have been modified which shows the public that the genetically modified animals are improving so there are less negative effects on the animal.
Ethical
As with all genetically modified animals, there is the question of ethics that comes into play and the web-spinning goat is no different. For years since the first proposition of genetically altering a living animal has been a major issue all over the world. Why should we put innocent animal's lives in danger for the sake of human curiosity? People do not know what is going to happen to animals when they alter their genetic make up and it is very risky. These goats so far has not proved to be any different physically or temperamentally than other goats but only time will tell.
As with all genetically modified animals, there is the question of ethics that comes into play and the web-spinning goat is no different. For years since the first proposition of genetically altering a living animal has been a major issue all over the world. Why should we put innocent animal's lives in danger for the sake of human curiosity? People do not know what is going to happen to animals when they alter their genetic make up and it is very risky. These goats so far has not proved to be any different physically or temperamentally than other goats but only time will tell.