The Porcine Press – Hog Genetics and Other Stuff
I just realized how long it’s been since I did an edition of the Porcine Press! Well, let’s remedy that right now!
First of all, according to this piece in the Ohio Farmer online, it looks like a group of researchers have managed to map out the genome for the domestic pig. Sure, that may not sound like much to some folks, but this opens the doors to a lot of great research, not only into pigs and their spread throughout the world, but also into medical and environmental science!
The draft sequence, which is about 98% complete, will allow researchers to pinpoint genes that are useful to pork production or are involved in immunity or other important physiological processes in the pig. It will enhance breeding practices, offer insight into diseases that afflict pigs (and, sometimes, also humans) and will assist in efforts to preserve the global heritage of rare, endangered and wild pigs. It also will be important for the study of human health because pigs are very similar to humans in their physiology, behavior and nutritional needs.
A scan of headlines related to wild boar shows several recent attacks on humans, from Krakow, Poland, to China and Korea.
In Korea, according to the JoonAng Daily, the Environment Ministry has responded by authorizing an increase in the hunting quota from a little over 8,000 to 20,000 animals! According to the article, there are over 40,000 boar in the region, and there has been a significant increase in reported sightings and attacks.
“If we increase the quota of permissible hunting and capture more, roaming loose, wild boar living in the neighboring areas will move to other regions, easing the dense population,” said Choi Jong-won, an official at the ministry’s nature resources division.
Good luck with that!
Meanwhile, parts of Texas are making the best of their feral hog infestation with at least a couple of big celebrations coming down the pike.
In Tyler, TX:
Hog chases, a Fall feral hog follies pageant, and the crowning of Miss Hog Queen 2009. It was all just a snapshot of the events that made this year’s Feral Hog Festival in Ben Wheeler unique. The festival is found only in East Texas.
And then in Fannin County, TX:
Residents of Fannin County, the outdoor playground for the Metroplex, welcome feral hog hunters to Fannin County November 13-15 for the inaugural Wild Hog Hunt.
The first annual Wild Hog Roundup for Fannin County will be held Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2009.
This is a hunting tournament for feral hogs only. Cash prizes will be awarded Sunday afternoon for the biggest and most caught/killed by a single hunter or team.
Early registration/entry fee of $200 – $250 after November 10, 2009. Saturday evening dinner and Sunday awards-dinner included.
All hunters must be licensed. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For event details and rules, go to texas-re.tripod.com or contact Mike Michaud at 903-640-0888 or mmichaud@fanninfun.com
Man, I wish I were in TX… or even better, if this blog paid for me to visit events like these! Ahh.. if wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
Anyway, that’s enough for now.