Pig Genome Sequenced, Scientists Bring Home Bacon

A team of international researchers sequenced the genome of the domesticated pig, Sus scrofa domesticus, and compared it to the DNA sequences of 10 wild boars hailing from Asia and Europe. They also compared the pig genome to genomes from humans, mice, dogs, horses and cows.

The results were published in the journals Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Wednesday.

"This new analysis helps us understand the genetic mechanisms that enable high-quality pork production, feed efficiency and resistance to disease," Sonny Ramaswany, the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, said in a statement Wednesday. "This knowledge can ultimately help producers breed high-quality swine, lower production costs and improve sustainability."

One interesting tidbit is that pigs have more genes related to smell than humans, mice or dogs -- which is not surprising when you think of truffle-hunting pigs. One would think that with such a perceptive nose, the pig would be a picky eater. But the genetic analysis also found that pigs have significantly fewer taste receptors for bitter flavors, which may be why they can eat things that we would find disgusting.

"Understanding the genes that shape the characteristics of pigs can point to how and why they were domesticated by humans," Archibald said. "Perhaps it was their ability to eat stuff that is unpalatable to us humans."

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Pig Genome Sequenced, Scientists Bring Home Bacon