WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Pigs are extensively used as an experimental model for biomedical research because they share similar physiologies with humans. Now researchers have for the first time cracked the entire genetic make-up of pig, which includes a complete list of DNA and genes responsible for their traits like height and color, giving a better blueprint of the animal.
According to the researchers, the sequenced genome will pave way for a better understanding of the pig's ancestry and history, the function of specific genes, and how the genes affect pig characteristics such as resistance to disease, meat quality or feed use efficiency.
A detailed knowledge of the pig genome will not only stand to benefit pig research and breeding but is also an important building block for research into human diseases.
Analysis of the genome sequence has revealed that pigs have a better sense of smell; their olfactory and cathelicidin gene families are more evolutionarily evolved than those in humans and many other animals; have twice as many interferon genes as humans; have fewer endogenous retroviruses than many other animals and they share several health similarities with humans, add the researchers.
Commenting on the pig genome analysis, Yongming Sang, research assistant professor of anatomy and physiology at Kansas State University said, 'The pig genome is very important, maybe even more important than we once thought. It is very good for biomedical research advancements and it also looks to be a good resource for comparative studies of many other diseases.'
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