Explain how the enviropig is produced/how the specific gene testing product is

produced/the bioprospecting process to produce enviropig

The Enviropig is produced through the process of genetic modification. The specific gene
testing process used to create this genetically modified pig involves introducing a transgene
called PSP-APPA into the pig's genome. This transgene contains a promoter from a parotid
secretory protein and a phytase gene. The transgene is inserted into the pig's genome using a
technique called pronuclear microinjection.

During this process, the transgene is injected into the pronucleus of a fertilized pig embryo. The
embryos are then implanted into surrogate sows, where they develop and grow into transgenic
piglets. These piglets are tested periodically for the presence and expression of salivary
phytase, which is the desired trait.

Through this gene testing process, transgenic piglets that produce salivary phytase are selected
and bred to establish a line of Enviropigs. The offspring of these pigs inherit the transgene and
continue to exhibit the desired trait of producing phytase in their saliva.

It is important to note that the development of genetically modified animals, including the
Enviropig, involves extensive safety and quality testing to ensure that they do not pose any risks
to human health or the environment.

SOURCES:
- Page 3: The constitutive parotid secretory protein promoter-phytase transgene (PSP-APPA
transgene, Laursen and Hjorth, 1997) was then successfully introduced into mice.
- Page 4: The PSP-APPA transgene (Golovan et al., 2001a) was used for the generation of
transgenic pigs by pronuclear microinjection following the procedure of Wall et al. (1985).
Genetic technologies in Enviropig have several positive impacts on individuals, society, laws,
and countries. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Enviropig is a transgenic pig that can synthesize phytase, an

enzyme that helps in the digestion of phosphorus. By producing phytase in their salivary glands,
Enviropigs can utilize phosphorus more efficiently, resulting in reduced phosphorus excretion in
their fecal matter. This reduces the environmental impact of pig farming by minimizing
phosphorus runoff, which can lead to water pollution. This technology helps to address
environmental concerns and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

2. Nutrient Management: Enviropig's ability to digest phosphorus more efficiently also has
implications for nutrient management. By utilizing practically all the phosphorus in their diet,
Enviropigs require less supplemental phosphate, which reduces the need for phosphate-rich
feed additives. This can lead to cost savings for farmers and a more sustainable use of
phosphorus resources.

3. Food Safety: Genetic technologies in Enviropig can contribute to food safety by improving the
quality and safety of animal products. For example, genetic modifications can be made to
enhance the digestive capabilities of animals, resulting in better feed utilization, improved
nutrient absorption, and reduced environmental contaminants in animal products.

4. Regulatory Framework: The development and implementation of genetic technologies in

Enviropig have led to the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure their safety and
environmental impact. Countries like Canada and the United States have specific regulations in
place to assess the safety of genetically modified animals and their products before they are
allowed in the market. This ensures that any potential risks to human health and the
environment are thoroughly evaluated and managed.

5. Scientific Advancement: The development of Enviropig and other genetic technologies has
pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge and understanding. It has opened up new
avenues for research and innovation in the field of animal genetics, biotechnology, and
agriculture. This scientific progress can have broader implications for various industries and
contribute to economic growth and technological advancement.

SOURCES:
- Page 1: "The Enviropig physiology, performance, and contribution to nutrient management
advances in a regulated environment: The leading edge of change in the pork industry" by C. W.
Forsberg et al.
- Page 6: "The Enviropig physiology, performance, and contribution to nutrient management
advances in a regulated environment: The leading edge of change in the pork industry" by C. W.
Forsberg et al.
- Page 8: "The Enviropig physiology, performance, and contribution to nutrient management
advances in a regulated environment: The leading edge of change in the pork industry" by C. W.
Forsberg et al.
The negative impacts of genetic technologies in Enviropig on individuals, society, laws, and
countries are not specifically mentioned in the provided context. However, it is important to note
that the use of genetic technologies can be a controversial topic and may raise concerns in
various areas. Some potential negative impacts could include:

1. Ethical Concerns: Genetic technologies may raise ethical concerns regarding the
manipulation of animal genetics and the potential for unintended consequences.

2. Environmental Risks: There may be concerns about the potential environmental impact of
genetically modified animals, such as the spread of modified genes to wild populations or the
disruption of ecosystems.

3. Health and Safety: There may be concerns about the safety of consuming products from
genetically modified animals, particularly regarding potential allergenicity or hypersensitivity
responses in consumers.

4. Regulatory and Legal Challenges: The development and use of genetically modified animals
may face regulatory and legal challenges, including the need for risk assessments, labeling
requirements, and compliance with environmental regulations.

5. International Trade and Regulations: The movement of genetically modified animals across
international borders may be subject to regulations and protocols, which can vary between
countries and may impact trade agreements.

It is important to consider that these potential negative impacts should be balanced against the
potential benefits and advances that genetic technologies can bring to areas such as food
production, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

SOURCES:
- Page 8: Bruhn, C. 2002. Consumer attitudes toward biotechnology: Impact on animal related
applications. J. Anim. Sci 85(Suppl. 1):750.
- Page 6: Brisbin, Jr., I. L., and J. J. Mayer. 2001. Problem pigs in a poke: a good pool of data.
Science 294:1280–1281.
- Page 6: NAS (2002) reported on risk issues surrounding transgenic and cloned animals and
fish, including food safety, environmental safety, and animal welfare.
- Page 6: The strategy for the safety assessment of foods derived from GM plants is well
established under the Codex Alimentarius commission of the Food and Agriculture
Organization.
- Page 6: To meet environmental regulatory requirements, transgenic animals must be
documented as having no deleterious effects on the environment and human health, either
directly or indirectly.
- Page 1: The Enviropig physiology, performance, and contribution to nutrient management
advances in a regulated environment: The leading edge of change in the pork industry.
List strategies on how to tackle (solve) the negative impacts of your genetic
technologies
To address and mitigate the negative impacts of genetic technologies, several strategies can be
implemented:

1. Risk assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate the potential

environmental and health risks associated with genetic technologies. This includes assessing
the potential for allergenicity, toxicity, and other adverse effects.

2. Regulatory frameworks: Establish robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and
responsible development and use of genetic technologies. This includes setting standards for
safety assessments, labeling requirements, and monitoring of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs).

3. Public engagement and education: Promote public engagement and education to increase
awareness and understanding of genetic technologies. This includes providing accurate and
transparent information about the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations associated with
these technologies.

4. Ethical considerations: Incorporate ethical considerations into decision-making processes

regarding the development and use of genetic technologies. This includes considering animal
welfare, environmental sustainability, and social implications.

5. Monitoring and surveillance: Implement monitoring and surveillance programs to track the
environmental and health impacts of genetic technologies. This allows for early detection of any
potential negative effects and enables prompt intervention if necessary.

6. Collaboration and international cooperation: Foster collaboration and international

cooperation to address and mitigate the negative impacts of genetic technologies. This includes
sharing scientific knowledge, harmonizing regulatory approaches, and establishing mechanisms
for information exchange.

SOURCES:
- Page 6: "To meet environmental regulatory requirements, transgenic animals must be
documented as having no deleterious effects on the environment and human health..."
- Page 6: "Recently, the NAS (2002) reported on risk issues surrounding transgenic and cloned
animals and fish, including food safety, environmental safety, and animal welfare."
- Page 6: "The strategy for the safety assessment of foods derived from GM plants is well
established under the Codex Alimentarius commission of the Food and Agriculture
Organization..."