Enviropig makes its début

(26 March 2010) After ten years of development, Canadian researchers have developed the genetically modified ‘Enviropig’ that produces manure with less phosphorus. Despite controversy, approval applications have been submitted to the Canadian Health Ministry and to the USA Food and Drug Administration.

With a genetic modification of pigs through mouse DNA, scientists at the Canadian University of Guelph have produced a pig that produces less phosphorus in manure than its conventional cousins. As an element that may pollute bodies of water as well as water tables, the concentrations of phosphorus that may form near to pig-farming establishments have posed an environmental concern.

The ten-year project has seen a commercially-viable farming pig as its goal. Environment Canada already has approved limited and controlled location transfers for further study and breeding, and farm-sale approval applications have been submitted to Canadian and US-American authorities.

Elizabeth May, leader of the Canadian Green Party, has indicated the breadth and complexity of issues associated with the possible introduction of such an animal. Alex Atamenko, Canadian Member of Parliament, cited possible repercussions to the Canadian pork export industry due to foreign restrictions on genetically modified organisms.

Several projects are reportedly underway world-wide that address GM animals aimed for human consumption and that include institutions such as the University of Guelph and the University of Rhode Island in the USA.

Further information:

• University von Guelph, Canada: Presse release (19 February 2010)
• "Enviropig": Background information (University of Guelph, Canada)