Dirty Pigs Are Healthy Pigs
A study of piglets raised in different environments provides a direct link between “dirty” living and immunity to illness and genetic expression, with researchers concluding that eliminating gut bacteria may reduce allergies and other autoimmune diseases among pigs.
Based on a study of 54 piglets raised in outdoor, indoor, and isolated settings with daily doses of antibiotics, scientists found that 90% of the bacteria in outdoor piglets came from the phylum Firmicutes, known for health promoting effects and the ability to limit intestinal pathogens. In contrast, this bacteria made up less than 70% and slightly more than 50% of the internal flora in indoor and isolated pigs, respectively.
ANIMALS USED FOR FOODGilbert, N. (2009, November 27). Dirty pigs are healthy pigs. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/news/2009/271109/full/news.2009.1111.html
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