Scientists create genetically modified green pigs

Those genes make a small but important difference to the way these pigs process their food and so,their manure contains less phosphorus than normal slurry and poses less risk to rivers,streams and lakes,say the scientists. Unlike normal pigs,Enviropigs have been designed to produce their own phytase,say the creators.

In tests,Enviropigs were able to absorb more phosphorous from feed. Their wastes had less of the potentially toxic substance and their meat also appears to be identical to cuts from traditional Yorkshire pig.

Professor Rich Moccia of the University of Guelph in Canada,who led a team,is proud of what has been achieved. Its the forefront of discovery in the scientific community. Its one of only two animals right now using this kind of technology. It really is mind-boggling when you think of it, the lead scientist told the BBC.

Prof Moccia added,They are pretty friendly and pretty gregarious. These pigs are almost identical to a normal Yorkshire pig. They look normal,they grow normally and they behave normally.

But critics of GM food said the animals are anything but environmentally friendly and could lead to more intensive pig farms. Anti-GM campaigner Lucy Sharratt said the very notion of transgenic animals is a nightmare. I am very worried and I think people around the world should be worried about what is happening in North America, she was quoted as saying.