Canada has approved limited production of animals dubbed "enviropigs™." This is a genetically modified breed of pigs producing up to 65% less phosphorous in pig excrement and urine. They would pass this trait onto their young as well. The issue that "enviro" can be attached to these pigs raises some major questions. Will it really work? What does this mean for the continued debates over GMOs? These pigs are modified using an enzyme known as phytase. They found this enzyme in E.coli bacteria. Scientists also discovered that the trait became inherited. The cost of raising pigs is reduced because farmers do not need to supplement pig diets with phosphorous nor with commercially manufactured phytase. Waste treatment costs, to manage the phosphorous in manure, can also be saved. Canada only approved limited prodution.Reaction: This is a great advance in GMOs. I remember how in class we learned that people were always having to modify their animals or plants each new season. With these one animal needs to be modified and its done. This also benefits the environment. I am in support of this because it could help the environment and it doesn't seem like humans are going to be too effected by this, since these pigs will probably be saved for breeding. Either way this is a cool advancement in the frontier of GMOs and I am really interested to see if there is a follow up.
Questions:
1) Will it work?
2)What do you think this means for GMO debates?
3)Do you support more research into this topic moving forward? Why or why not.
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This is kinda funny. A GMO that affects poop. I was laughing the whole time. I understand too much phosphorus is bad but come on. Now we are making animals go to the bathroom different. I don't like this at all. An animal should be able to go however they go. This is going a little too far in my opinion.
ReplyDelete3. Yes i think that they should research this topic a little more so that they can know how this really affects their systems
Wow this is great news for the approval of GMOs! However, I agree with Phil, it is extremely funny.If this new GMO is tested and no problems are found, I think they should definatley use it. It would save farmers lots of money. The only problem with this, one we discussed in class, is that the long term effects are unknown.
ReplyDelete3. Yes, 100%. If the GMO negatively effects the pigs, it will have a huge on the food chain. Not to mention all the consumers that eat pigs.
It is great that they have found a way to make a GMO that helps the environment. These pigs could help stop some of the pollution to our aquifers, which is a great thing, because then we would gain some fresh water.
ReplyDelete3. I definitely support research into this topic. I usually am against GMO's only because of the effects they can have on humans, and believe me if we can find that this GMO does nothing to harm humans, I'm all for it. I just don't like when they pass laws about humans consuming GMO's, before all the research of the possible effects has been done.