When will dual-purpose pigs fly?
Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) have a rich history, intertwined with diverse religious and cultural contexts, as well as intriguing biological characteristics. Since Neolithic times, these medium-sized mammals have been domesticated from wild boars in various regions, such as East Asia and Europe. For thousands of years, they have been primarily raised for meat purpose and have been featured prominently in many popular cuisines. From meals on the table to miniature pets, from religious ceremonies to scientific research, pigs hold a significant role across various facets of human society. The development of novel gene editing technologies and advancements in somatic cell nuclear transfer have significantly enhanced the efficiency of genetically modified pig generation, such as endogenous gene knockout pigs, precise single base substitution pigs, and exogenous gene knockin pigs. These pigs may possess specific traits that are considered highly promising for applications in both agriculture and biomedicine.
