If it is up to the company Recombinetics from Columbus (Ohio, United States), the castration of piglets will soon become superfluous. The company has developed a method in which pig genes are processed and piglets are born naturally castrated as a result.
With this technique, the piglets remain in a 'prepubescent state' for their entire life. "The technique focuses on the health of pigs while at the same time ensuring a good quality of the meat (without boar odor and taste)," said a spokesperson for Recombinetics. The American company wants to further develop the method, so that the technology becomes available worldwide.
Prohibition is getting closer
Castration is currently being performed to prevent boar odor and taste in meat. This should improve the quality of the meat. At present, castration is performed surgically.
However, this has been a matter of debate for many years. In Germany, therefore, a castration ban proclaimed. Recombinetics' technology could be a solution for countries where a ban is imminent.
Grant awarded
On December 14, 2017, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research awarded a $500.000 grant to Recombinetics to use the new techniques. Additional funding comes from The Open Philanthropy Project.
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