Explainers

A look at a researcher looking through a microscope

What is CRISPR?

  • by UC Davis CLEAR Center
Gene editing is used to make a tiny, controlled change to DNA. By replacing a segment of DNA, scientists have the ability to remove undesirable or problematic genes.
A group of pigs looks up into the camera

What CRISPR can do for agriculture and livestock production

  • by UC Davis CLEAR Center
Those in agriculture know to survive, you must adapt and innovate. One way to do this is by embracing technology. Among the most promising—and sometimes most debated—tools is gene editing; a technology that’s transforming the way we grow food and care for animals.
Dr. Trish Berger moves a pig in the swine barn

Using CRISPR Gene Editing to Combat PRRS Virus in Pigs

  • by UC Davis CLEAR Center
For over three decades, pork producers worldwide have grappled with the relentless threat of PRRS—a virus that not only harms pig health and welfare but also disrupts pork production, strains sustainability, and fuels antibiotic use by weakening pigs’ immune defenses. But with the help of the CRISPR technology, there may be a solution on the horizon.
A picture of a pig looking into the camera

How is CRISPR different than GMO foods?

  • by UC Davis CLEAR Center
Technology is helping to transform agriculture and the way food is produced. And while a new era in agriculture is being ushered in, it’s important to understand that technology. For example, though GMO’s and gene editing are often mentioned in the same breath, they are fundamentally different.
What impact does pork farming have on the environment?

What impact does pork farming have on the environment?

Agricultural producers face many pressures and challenges. With a growing population that will demand more food, and a strained climate that requires attention and adjustment of practices, it is difficult to know right from wrong and fact from fiction. 

Unpacking pork meat labels

Unpacking Pork Meat Labels

Consumers have constantly evolving preferences and expectations when shopping for meat. Recent legislation, such as Proposition 12, demonstrates just how dedicated consumers are to understanding how their meat was raised and ensuring it aligns with their values. 

Biosecurity practices protect pigs and people

Biosecurity Practices Protect Pigs and People

As a society, we have a strong understanding of how to prevent the spread of germs. We wash our hands, clean our spaces, seal our food and stay home if we are sick. Pork producers implement similar practices on their farms to keep their herds healthy. 

Data’s Role in Sustainability on Swine Farms

Data’s Role in Sustainability on Swine Farms

Technological advancements continue to shift the pork industry. While not new to producers, data is integral to furthering sustainable pork farming. Producers are experienced in recording data on various aspects of their operations — feed use, litter size, rate of gain and the list goes on — to ensure they run efficient and cost-effective operations.

Why Do Cattle Produce Methane, and What Can We Do About it?

Why Do Cattle Produce Methane, and What Can We Do About it?

Cattle are special animals that consume foods such as grasses and hays that humans can’t digest, taking those pieces of energy and turning them into milk and meat that nourish people. In the process, part of the energy cows eat results in the production of methane that is belched out the front end of the animal. That’s a conundrum.
What do we feed swine?

What do we feed swine?

The biggest expense when producing pork is feeding pigs. In fact, feed makes up roughly 70-80% of the variable total costs to produce pork. Since 2020, the cost of feed has been rising steadily, and pork producers feel the financial pinch of lower margins.
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Swine Production

The use of antibiotics in livestock production has reshaped the farm for well over a half-century. While antimicrobial drug use for food-producing animals is below previous highs, efforts to further reduce the need for antibiotics play a key role in fighting antimicrobial resistance. The swine industry is central in the conversation about antibiotics’ importance, impact and sustainability.
African Swine Fever and Lessons Learned in Prevention

African Swine Fever and Lessons Learned in Prevention

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease with a morbidity rate of up to 100% that infects domestic and wild swine. ASF has been found in more than 100 counties but has never entered the United States. ASF only infects swine; it is not a human or public health threat.
Swine and How They Eat

Swine and How They Eat

Unlike ruminants, swine are categorized as monogastrics. This means they have “simple stomachs,” much like humans do. They are omnivores, capable of consuming animal and plant matter as part of their diets.
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