Scientists decode DNA of pigs

An international group of scientists has decoded the DNA of the domestic pig, research that may one day prove useful in finding new treatments for both pigs and people.

The outcome is considered substantial because pigs and humans are similar in size and makeup, and because of this pigs are used often in research pertaining to humans. Scientists claim they rely on pigs to study everything from obesity and heart disease to skin disorders. According to Missoulian.com, Larry Schook, a University of Illinois in Champaign biomedical science professor who led the DNA sequencing project said, "The pig is the ideal animal to look at lifestyle and health issues in the United States." Researchers announced the findings Monday morning. Scientists will now look to find ways to incorporate this research in their own work. Schook and his team decoded the genome of a red-haired Duroc pig, one of five major breeds used in pork production worldwide. A genome is the full complement of an organism's DNA. Swine now join the growing number of animal species that have had their DNA unraveled, including dogs, chimps, rats, mice, cows and human beings.