China implements the mouse gene into pigs, making their meat leaner

Recently, Chinese scientists have created 12 'low-fat' pigs using CRISPR / Cas9 gene editing technique. They cut a gene in the mouse and stuck it into the pig embryo.

As a result, 12 piglets with better fat burning ability were born. Their fat is 24% lower than that of regular pigs.

The meat of these pigs is expected to be leaner. While scientists say many farms can save a large part of their production costs, if they breed this genetically modified pig.

Chinese scientists implanted mouse genes into pigs, making their meat leaner.

Research by Chinese scientists has just been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The goal it achieved was to use Crispr-Cas9 gene editing techniques to create pigs that are able to regulate body temperature better, thanks to the fat burning path.

In fact, there is no gene in the pig genome called UPC1 . This gene is common in other mammals, helping them regulate their body temperature.

So the idea of ​​researchers in Beijing is to use CRISPR to cut UPC1 gene from mice, then paste it into 2,553 pig embryos. All of these embryos were transplanted into 13 female pigs. As a result, 3 of these pigs were pregnant and gave birth to 12 piglets.

The UPC1 gene in piglets guided them to burn fat more efficiently, creating a warmer body temperature.

The researchers say this simple thing could help farms save millions of dollars. The reason for this is that many animal husbandry companies are now spending money to operate expensive heating systems, while supplementing food to help pigs keep warm in cold weather.

Body temperature gauges show that pigs that modify genes are warmer than regular pigs, which burn more fat, thus leaning up to 24% more.

In theory, this is a remarkable scientific achievement. Chinese scientists have demonstrated with the CRISPR gene editing technique , people can do everything.

However, standing on the perspective of food consumers, there will still be certain concerns. When pigs that convert less fat genes are created, will you buy their meat?

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first genetically modified apple variety to be marketed. However, many people still place skepticism on such 'unnatural' foods.

Gene changes can help the apples not brownen and make the eye look better after being peeled. Meanwhile, new types of pork are predicted to be leaner than conventional pigs.

However, when it comes to putting genetically modified foods into life, surely the debate will continue for a long time and cannot be ended.