Number of genetically modified laboratory animals

A genetically modified animal is an organism whose genetic make-up has been altered by the insertion of additional genes, modification or deletion (knockout) of gene segments in the DNA sequences and deviates from the natural wild type.

These changes are made in order to alter or eliminate specific characteristics in an animal's organism or to introduce a new characteristic.  This is mainly used in disease research and basic research to investigate specific genes or their silencing in more detail. The genetic changes can influence the appearance of the animal, the phenotype, non-pathologically (without stress) or pathologically (e.g. in the development of specific disease models).

• Overview of genetic modified laboratory animals 2021

  In 2021, a total of 24,796 of the animals used for scientific purposes were genetically modified. The animals thus genetically modified were mice and fish. The genetic modification had a pathologic influence on the phenotype of 1,354 of the animals.

  Genetically modified laboratory animals

  	Not genetically modified	Genetically modified without pathological phenotype	Genetically modified with pathological phenotype
  Absolute numbers	13,258	23,442	1,354
  In percent (%)	34.84	61.6	3.56

   

  

• Overview of genetic modified laboratory animals 2022

  In 2022, a total of 35,170 of the animals used for scientific purposes were genetically modified. The animals thus genetically modified were mice and fish. The genetic modification had a pathologic influence on the phenotype of 1,149 of the animals.

  Genetically modified laboratory animals

  	Not genetically modified	Genetically modified without pathological phenotype	Genetically modified with pathological phenotype
  Absolute numbers	24,667	34,021	1,149
  In percent (%)	41.22	56.86	1.92

   

  

• Overview of genetic modified laboratory animals 2023

  In 2023, a total of 25,501 of the animals used for scientific purposes were genetically modified. The animals thus genetically modified were mice and fish. The genetic modification had a pathologic influence on the phenotype of 1,291 of the animals.

  Genetically modified laboratory animals

  	Not genetically modified	Genetically modified without pathological phenotype	Genetically modified with pathological phenotype
  Absolute numbers	15,468	24,210	1,291
  In percent (%)	37.78	59.09	3.13