Genetically engineered animals are nothing new, but “Enviro Pig” is about to change the game. He is genetically designed to create earth-friendly poop, with the sole intention of helping off-set the waste produced by mass production of these animals for consumption. But the real question remains; is this science solution a band aid, or just a warped perception of “doing good” with science?

Define “Enviro Pig” and its Benefits…

Canada recently approved limited production of “Enviro Pig”; an animal that is genetically modified in a way that makes its urine and feces 65 percent lower in phosphorous. Why is that a big deal? Researchers feel it will help reduce bacteria build up in lakes, rivers and ocean deltas. Animal waste can collect in these areas from rain runoff, and often leads to the development of algal blooms (large population of algae in an aquatic system) that can sometimes become toxic. These algae are also known to rapidly suck up the oxygen in the water, creating vast dead zones for fish and other aquatic life, according to National Geographic.

You Are What you Eat, So What Exactly is a Pig’s Diet?

Farmers currently feed pigs corn or cereal grains which contain phosphorous, but their digestive systems do not manufacture phytase, the key enzyme necessary to digest  phosphorous. To combat this problem farmers must also feed pigs phytase as a supplement, but the pigs don’t do a super great job of digesting that either. As a result, a large amount of phytase is expelled as part of pig waste and often gets washed out into the general water supply.

Enter in mad scientists, tinkering with the swine’s genes in a way that enables the pig to produce  phytase in their own salivary glands, and is present throughout the digestive process. Now “Enviro Pigs” are able to break down previously indigestible elements, while at the same time saving the farmer money on feed supplements. In addition, this super swine may also help farmers more easily comply with the “zero discharge” rules that forbid pork producers from releasing nitrogen or phosphorous run off into the environment.

The test group of these special pigs will be raised in a controlled research environment in Canada and face years of safety trials. Experts say consumers do not have to worry about these pigs showing up in the food circle any time soon, and that the new breed will undergo several years of safety trials before approval for commercial production or consumption.

Why Mess with Genetics Instead of a Pig’s Diet?

My main question is, why not change the pig’s diet to make the waste more environmentally friendly in the first place? I am not sure if that was an option at one point and then ruled out, or if it has even been considered.

I am all for scientific research and development, but this option just seems a bit drastic. It may even set the stage for further genetic tinkering to suit the human lifestyle, while also trying to combat pollution without making changes to HOW humans consume. Changes definitely need to be made in how we combat waste due to mass consumption, I just don’t think this is the best possible route. What are your thoughts? Do you think this option is a great idea, or extreme measure?

Katrina Pfannkuch
Buzzword Communications, LLC

About the author: Katrina Pfannkuch is a writer, Reiki Master and entrepreneur who lives to write and create. She started Buzzword Communications, LLC to pursue her passion for excellence in communication and satisfy her entrepreneurial spirit. Buzzword is also a participating member of GenGreen.