Why does GTC Biotherapeutics use goats for its primary production animal?
As a dairy production animal goats are utilized all over the world. In choosing a species of animal it is optimal to have animals that have been bred for significant milk production and also have a relative short generation time. Formally, choices range from mice, our model system with a generation time of 3 months and a milk yield of 1 ml, to rabbits with an 8 month generation time and 4 liter yield, to the largest commercial species, the cow. Cows have a generation time of 3 years, with an annual milk yield of 8000 liters. Since time is critical, goats are a logical alternative with a generation time of 18 months and a yield of nearly 800 liters. As a dairy breed, goats show efficiency of milk production that is unrivaled. We have shown significant expression, (2-10g/L) of recombinant proteins in lactating goats. With an annual yield of 800 liters, over 1 kilogram of recombinant protein can be produced per lactating animal. The scale-up of the goat herd following standard breeding is
