The Enviropig

The topic of this article in genetically altering pigs so they are more environmentally sound. Scientists in Canada have created a pig that can digest more of the plant phosphorus found in their feed. Most pigs can not digest the plant phosphorus and the phosphorous is getting back into the land and waters through the pig's manure. The phosphorous in lakes and other water environments promotes algae growth which eats up a lot of oxygen in the water and makes it hard for anything to survive in them. The scientists have created a pig that can digest the up to 50% more of the phosphorous in their diet. Farmers are trying to fix this problem now by giving the pigs a supplement to help digest the phosphorous, which will add up to about $1/pig and seeing as though 70 million pigs are slaughtered each year for food, the saving will add up. As of now the Enviropig is not going to be ready for super markets for a few years, but initial testing has discovered that the meat in an Enviropig contains the same nutritional value as a non-modified pig. The writer does not seem to have a biased, there are many facts and figures introduced in the article. There are not many opinions stated by the author. The author brings up the general concern for genetically engineering food, so there are multiple sides brought up. And the article is from a credible source(CNN).http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/09/25/enviropig-the-next-transgenic-food/?iref=obinsite