Meet the Genetically Engineered Pig With Earth-Friendly Poop

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Canada has approved for limited production a genetically engineered, environmentally friendly pig. The “Enviropig” has been genetically modified in such a manner that its urine and feces contain almost 65 percent less phosphorus than usual. That could be good news for lakes, rivers, and ocean deltas, where phosphorous from animal waste can play a role in causing algal blooms. These outbursts of algae rapidly deplete the water’s oxygen, creating vast dead zones for fish and other aquatic life [National Geographic].

All living creatures need phosphorus, as the element plays an important role in many cellular and organ functions. Domesticated pigs get their daily dose from corn or cereal grains, but not without a struggle. These foods contain a type of phosphorus that is indigestible to the pigs, so farmers also feed their pigs an enzyme called phytase to allow the animals to break down and digest the phosphorus. But ingested phytase isn’t as effective at breaking down phosphorus as phytase created inside the pig would be, so a fair amount of the element gets flushed out in pig waste. That waste, in turn, can make its way into the water supply [National Geographic].

To fix this problem, the scientists tinkered with the swine’s genes to make the pig produce its own phytase in its salivary glands. When the cereal grains are consumed, they mix with the phytase in the saliva, and throughout the pig’s digestive tract the enzyme works to break down the phosphorous in the food. With more phosphorus retained within the body, the amount excreted in waste is reduced by almost 65 percent, say researchers.

The researchers who created the Enviropig say it’s not just eco-friendly, but it also cut farmers’ feed-supplement costs. If the pigs eventually become common, they could also help U.S. farmers comply with “zero discharge” rules that forbid pork producers from releasing nitrogen or phosphorus runoff.

The Enviropigs will be raised only in controlled research settings in Canada for now, and experts say transgenic pork won’t be landing on your plate anytime soon; the new biotech pig will face years of safety trials to see if it should be approved for commercial production and consumption in the United States and Canada. No transgenic animal has been approved for consumption as of yet. But in 2008 the FDA announced approval of the first human health product made from a genetically engineered animal. The goat-derived anticoagulant, ATryn, is used for the prevention of blood clots in patients with a rare disease-causing protein deficiency [National Geographic].

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[Nagishkaw 510]

the scientists tinkered with the swine’s genes

Torturing, maiming,and killing the poor defenseless animals, no doubt.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Torturing, maiming,and killing the poor defenseless animals, no doubt.

You know what they ate for the Last Supper, sis...

[Nagishkaw 510]

Well, since we are meeting meat.....

[Niels Bohr 72]

Yummy! I've been to a slaughter house. Heck, I was a few inches away when they cut open the cow stomach with a chain saw.

The guy doesn't know too much about genetic engineering from the way he was speaking about chickens are forced to grow fast and making them vulnerable to heart attacks.

Well, since we are meeting meat.....

Edited April 4, 2010 by Niels Bohr

[Nagishkaw 510]

May they be judged accordingly.

[_Simpson_ 250]

Earth friendly poop, good grief! What about unforeseen issues with eating animals that have been genetically altered, I home those wacky Canadians did there homework and left no stone unturned.