AgResearch has been given the go ahead to keep genetically-modified mice, goats, sheep and cattle.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority granted approval after hearing submissions on the plan, which AgResearch says will develop the animals to produce therapeutic proteins in milk.
The Authority considered the scientific benefits of the research to be the main drawcard for their decision, but imposed a number of stringent conditions on the operators. Animals are to be well fenced off and animal products must be prevented from entering our food chain.
RadioLIVE