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Ethical arguments regarding the use of animals for xenotransfusion
Xenotransfusion uses animals to aid in the shortage of blood for blood transfusion in humans. Although there needs to be more study on the topic some scientists are already considering the idea to use Sus scrofa domesticus for blood transfusion. To come up with this answer they tested many animals to see which one was the best candidate for blood donation. As a result, pig red blood cells (pRBCs) showed more characteristics similar to that of a human. Starting with RBC diameters (pig 4 to 8 μm: human 7.5 μm) and RBC counts (pig 5.7 to 6.9 million/ll; human 4.2 to 6.2 million/ll) and, RBC average lifespan (86 vs. 120 days). XTF has not been tested in humans, however current evidence shows that pRBCs will function normally in humans due to a relation between porcine blood groups and human ABO group system. In addition, it is possible to produce pigs with type O blood and it is also possible to genetically modify the pig to make its blood more compatible with humans. Sus scrofa domesticus’s blood will be used to save lives and to increase blood quantity. The organism will be kept alive and no serious harm will be involved in XTF. It will be similar to how blood is removed from humans. Only 10% of the animal’s blood volume will be used each time, therefore, it is ethically acceptable to raise pigs for periodical blood collection as it does not damage the health of the animal. It will also be ethical to use pRBCs on humans since it will not cause a severe harm on human’s health. At the moment XTF is not a real necessity because a lot of people are willing to donate their blood and there is not a significant shortage on blood. However, it represents a great opportunity for new science as well  as an unlimited blood bank for blood transfusions.