Genetics Genetics and traits Research and innovation Can genetics curb the carbon footprint of pig production? Gene editing is being subject to controversial regulation, but could it be a lifeline for an unsustainable pig industry? 23 January 2019 5 minute read By: Melanie Epp Europe Africa South America North America Asia Oceania The US currently houses around 6 million pigs. Without genetic improvement, Americans would need to raise 15 million pigs to produce the same amount of meat. Algal blooms and eutrophication caused by drainage of phosphorous and nitrogen contaminated water from farms Our Partners Lallemand Lanxess Hamlet Protein Thermo Fisher Scientific Axcentive Melanie Epp Melanie Epp is a freelance agricultural journalist from Ontario, Canada. More from this author More Articles View all Pig outlook: Lean hog futures bears have momentum Policy and regulation Feed commodity markets Market Trends 6 May 2024 2 minute read Tips to keep livestock and pets healthy during summer heat Pig Welfare Heat and cold stress Weather 6 May 2024 5 minute read Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Pork labelling schemes ‘not helpful’ to consumers 1 May 2024 3 minute read Study suggests the way the UK classifies farm types and labels pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat Our Partners Lallemand Lanxess Hamlet Protein Thermo Fisher Scientific Axcentive