These Tiny Genetically Engineered Pigs are Being Sold as Pets by a Chinese Lab
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — October 5, 2015 — Tech
References: nature & boingboing.net
Shenzhen, China-based genomics institute BGI is genetically engineering micro pigs as luxury pets.
The micro pigs weigh around 33 pounds, about the same as a medium-sized pet dog. Priced at $1,600, they were originally created for medical research. Pigs are more psychologically and genetically similar to humans than rats or mice, but they are larger and thus take more resources to sustain in labs. Genetic engineers solved this problem my using gene editing to create micro pigs. The miniature pigs were so adorable and pet-sized that BGI soon began to market them as animal companions for eccentric animal lovers.
BGI says that it will use gene editing to produce different colors and patterns of the micro pigs to order.
The micro pigs weigh around 33 pounds, about the same as a medium-sized pet dog. Priced at $1,600, they were originally created for medical research. Pigs are more psychologically and genetically similar to humans than rats or mice, but they are larger and thus take more resources to sustain in labs. Genetic engineers solved this problem my using gene editing to create micro pigs. The miniature pigs were so adorable and pet-sized that BGI soon began to market them as animal companions for eccentric animal lovers.
BGI says that it will use gene editing to produce different colors and patterns of the micro pigs to order.
Trend Themes
1. Genetically-engineered Luxury Pets - The production of genetically-engineered luxury pets opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for pet breeding and animal healthcare industries.
2. Micro Animals - The trend towards miniaturized, genetically-engineered animals offers opportunities for innovative design and manufacturing in the pet products industry.
3. Gene Editing for Companion Animals - The growing use of gene editing for creating animal companions opens up opportunities for innovation in animal research and genetics industries.
Industry Implications
1. Pet Breeding - Pet breeders can leverage genetic engineering technology to produce new and unique breeds of miniature animals that cater to specific customer preferences.
2. Pet Products - Pet products manufacturers can develop new product lines to meet the needs of micro pig and other genetically-engineered pet owners, such as specialized food and accessories.
3. Animal Research - Advances in gene editing technology for companion animals can lead to innovative breakthroughs in animal research, such as the development of disease models or genetic therapies.
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