Acceligen, a precision breeding company, announced its successful breeding of gene-edited pigs with resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).
PRRS affects pigs’ health, wellness and productivity and causes an estimated $500 million in losses to the industry. Acceligen used protein modifications developed by Kansas State University to breed pigs naturally resistant to PRRS. According to Acceligen, breeding pigs resistant to PRRS may reduce the environmental impact of pork production by improving efficiency.
“This is an exciting time to be at the forefront of this impactful breeding application in sustainable agriculture,” said Tad Sonstegard, CEO of Acceligen. “Our goal is to use the best tools for breeding and selection to create a better future for animals, farmers, consumers and the environment. Gene-editing is one of the most powerful breeding tools that allows us to address some of the biggest challenges facing the pork industry and to create a more sustainable and ethical food system.”
