Scientific Technology
Genetic Engineering is a powerful method of creating desirable traits using recombinant DNA technology. For example, the Enviropig was a Yorkshire pig, genetically modified so that they have the capability to digest plant phosphorus more quickly and efficiently than an ordinary pig. This leads to a result of reduced feeding costs for the farmers, and reduced phosphorus pollution.
The Enviropig was modified to produce an enzyme called 'phytase' in its salivary glands. This enzyme mixes with food in the pigs mouth when any grains are consumed. The phytase enzyme is also responsible for degrading indigestible phytic acid and releasing phosphate that is digested by the pig. Now that the Enviropigs can easily digest phytic acid, there is no longer a need for any sort of supplement to help digestion. This modification can also be passed down to its offspring.
The Enviropig was modified to produce an enzyme called 'phytase' in its salivary glands. This enzyme mixes with food in the pigs mouth when any grains are consumed. The phytase enzyme is also responsible for degrading indigestible phytic acid and releasing phosphate that is digested by the pig. Now that the Enviropigs can easily digest phytic acid, there is no longer a need for any sort of supplement to help digestion. This modification can also be passed down to its offspring.
Production
The Enviropig was produced in the University of Guelph from the introduction of the Murine Parotid Secretory Protein gene and the E. Coli Phytase gene. The method used is pronuclear micro injection to surgically implant this embryo type and other embryos into the reproductive tract of a female pig. After a 114 day gestation period, the piglets born were checked for the presence of phytase enzyme in saliva.
government Research
In 2010 the Enviropig was still being questioned by Department of the Environment of the Canadian Government on if it can be eaten. Before commercializing the Enviropig for human consumption, regulatory approval will be required by Health Canada. The Enviropig is now in the 10th stage of research, or generation and is not yet approved for human consumption. Canada is limiting the production of the Enviropig and will be further tested if the meat will be safe to eat. Although the Enviropig is claimed to reduce phosphorus content by 20% to 60% it still needs to be examined to ensure researchers of this.
related issues
The Enviropig helps the society because the farmers spend less money on adjusting the pig's diets. Normal pigs produce too much phosphorus in their manure which can contaminate water, this causes farmers to buy supplements to add to their diets to prevent extensive amounts of phosphorus. The phytase that runs through the digestive tract of the modified pigs make the animal better absorb the needed nutrients. This also results in a better economy from the decreased phosphorus content in the manure. The Enviropig's manure makes and excellent fertilizer and decreases pollution as phosphorus, when it gets into water creates algae which can take a lot of the oxygen from the water, killing wildlife and plants.
Recommendations
the Enviropig is said to be a great fertilizer with less phosphorous pollution, however it has not been completely proven. in my opinion if scientists can prove that the enviropig will always have less phosphorous content, then it may be a good idea. Although they cut the pollution, they are still being tested on if they can be consumed which is the most popular reason for pig farming, if they can not be consumed then the enviropig should not be produced.