The recent trend in the U.K. are micro pigs — a “bred-down” version of several other small pig breeds, including potbellied pigs, Tamworth, Kune Kune and Gloucester Old Spot.

Though small pigs have been around as pets for a long time, sales for these tinier versions have kicked into high gear. However, even though the tiny piglets weigh only around four ounces at birth, they can get upwards of 40-65 pounds as a full-grown adult, or about the size of a medium dog.

I’ve always heard that they make great pets and can even be litter trained, and since they have very fine hair (as opposed to fur) they don’t bother allergy sufferers as much. Though this particular crossing of breeds isn’t sold here in the U.S., I doubt it’ll be very long before someone hops on that bandwagon!

What do you think — would you have a pig as a pet?

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Micro Pigs All the Rage in the UK

While the FDA has not approved any genetically modified animals for use as human food, researchers are confident that food with added nutrients will help us live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Jing X. Kang, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, is also developing cows that make omega-3’s in their milk and chickens that have the fatty acids in their eggs.

In support of genetically modified (GM) food, Alexander Leaf, an emeritus professor of clinical medicine at Harvard:

People can continue to eat their junk food. You won’t have to change your diet, but you will be getting what you need.

Wow. That would be a dream come true.

ETA: Christina asked whether pork containing omega-3 fatty acids could be safer than fish. Depends on which is your bigger concern – inserting another organism’s genes into pigs or mercury in fish.

The New York Times, March 26, 2006

Post from: Blisstree

Pork with Omega-3 Fatty Acids