Genetic modification of milk proteins

Abstract

It is now possible to change the protein composition of milk by direct manipulation of the germline. At present it is feasible only to add new milk- protein genes to dairy animals. If embryonic stem cells become available then it will also be possible to remove or replace endogenous genes. Various modifications made to milk proteins by using these germline-manipulation techniques are described. These are expected to enhance the processing, nutritional, and biomedical properties of milk.