Bacon and Sausages that are good for you.Possibly.In April(2006) Scientist announced they had engineered transgenic pigs that produce Omega-3 fatty acids,the same compounds that make fish such a healthy meal.
Most animals lack the gene to convert Omega-6 fatty acids which,when eaten in large amounts,contribute to heart disease,cancer,diabetes,and arthritis in humans-into healthier Omega-3s has been to feed animals flaxseed,fish oil,or fish meal.
Scientist from Harvard University,the University Of Pittsburgh,and The University Of Missouri at Columbia devised another solution:inserting into pig cells a gene that codes for an enzyme that converts Omega-6s to Omega-3s.
The modified cell nuclei were then inserted into unfertilized eggs to crate engineered pig embryos,which were implanted in a normal sow.The results:eight Omega-3-generating pigs,whose ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3 was fivefold lower than in ordinary piglets.
Whether this pig goes to market remains to be seen.The FDA has yet to permit any genetically modified animal to enter the human food chain.
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