"university of illinois" news and stories

In an effort to breed better pork, the USDA will give $10 million to the University of Illinois to obtain a draft sequence of swine genome. The goal of the project is to create DNA-based tools to identify and propagate pigs that are more resistant to disease, breed larger litters and produce leaner meat. It's worth noting that heirloom pork has gained popularity, in part, because it isn't lean. The USDA isn't just seeking leaner pigs, but bigger, meatier pigs in general. The project would also try to identify the ideal climates for different breeds of pig, thereby allowing the animals to grow to their fullest potential. Work is scheduled to end in late 2007--the Chinese year of the pig.

Source