Pig Genome Project makes way for happier and tastier pigs.

Scientists have recently completed the sequencing of DNA in the cells of a female pig. Lawrence Shook, vice president for research at the University of Illinois and co-author on the study stated that the animal was chosen due to it being a model for biomedical research and how critical it is as a food source throughout the world.  The genome project was originally intended to help look for genes associated with a disease called the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The disease does not harm humans, but it is very harmful to pigs as it causes pigs to abort its offspring, young piglets to die, and infected pigs to grow slowly. This virus causes upwards to $660 million per year in the U.S. alone.



The Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium has published their complete analysis of the genome in Nature. This data is free to everyone and it is hoped that genes will be identified as to help pigs grow faster and eat less. Along with this is the hope that the genes will be found that will create a better tasting pig and better tasting bacon.

It is good news for everyone that DNA sequencing can be used in order to keep prices of food low while also creating a better tasting meal. It is my hope that the researchers will be successful in their attempts to identify the genes that cause this disease, and any others that effect this food source. It is exciting to see this genome project being finished and I hope more are to follow in order to help mankind survive.