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Scientists improve transgenic ‘Enviropigs’
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A research team at the University of Guelph has developed a new line of transgenic “Enviropigs.” The new line of pigs is called the Cassie line, and it is known for passing genes on more reliably.
Enviropigs have genetically modified salivary glands, which help them digest phosphorus in feedstuffs and reduce phosphorus pollution in the environment. After developing the initial line of Enviropigs, researchers found that the line had certain genes that could be unstable during reproduction or impractical in commercial use.
Scientists at the University of Guelph created the Cassie line to address these problems. In their paper for the Journal of Animal Science, they explain that the Cassie line has the same ability to digest high levels of phosphorus in plant matter.
Phosphorus is crucial for healthy growth in pigs. Unfortunately, 50 to 70 percent of the phosphorus in grain is in the form of phytic acid, a compound indigestible by pigs. Because of this, many farmers have to supplement pig diets with an enzyme called phytase. Phytase breaks down phytic acid and helps pigs digest more of the nutrient. The phytase enzyme has a hefty price tag for farmers, and the enzyme can be accidentally damaged or destroyed when farmers mix feed.
See more and subscribe to NextBigFuture at 2013-03-07 12:01:35 Source: http://nextbigfuture.com/2013/03/scientists-improve-transgenic-enviropigs.html
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