News article, 29. February 2024
Danish research paves the way for greener pigs
Danish scientists have carried out a major genomic analysis of pigs, which is set to contribute to the green transition of pig production.
Scientists from Aarhus University in Denmark have created a complex mapping of pig genes. The new knowledge can be used by the agricultural sector to produce healthier and more climate-friendly pigs.
Greener agriculture
The results of the study can be used to identify the genetic mechanisms that lead to the certain desired traits in pigs, e.g. genetic traits that make pigs more climate friendly. The results can therefore be deployed to develop pigs that have less impact on the climate.
The analysis will enable scientists to edit pig genes more precisely and thereby create completely new traits in future. It will also provide a sound basis for other scientists to make use of gene editing techniques in the long term – i.e. it can be used to insert new sequences with greener traits into pigs and thereby produce more climate-friendly pigs.
Prevention of infection between humans and animals
The studies will contribute to a greater understanding of biology and evolution – which may have a major impact on the prevention of infection between pigs and humans.
About the study
The analysis is based on a study of transcriptomes, which are genes that are active in different types of cells. The research includes mapping these active genes in different types of tissue.
The study is the most comprehensive analysis in the field to date and is based on complex genetic analysis of several hundred pigs and humans to identify differences and similarities.
In addition to the production of more climate-friendly pigs, the research can also contribute to the development of improved and more targeted human medicinal drugs.
Read more about the research here