Some Iowa State faculty members assert that genetic modification of grain may be the answer to concerns surrounding hog waste and manure odor.

Charles Hurburgh, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, said genetic modification, “which lowers nitrogen and phosphorous in the grain, will help the animal more completely digest feed with less waste and odor.”

To ensure proper digestion and use of nutrients, pigs must receive the correct balance of amino acids. All excess amino acids are flushed out as waste and contribute to manure and odor problems.

Tim Stahly, professor of animal science, said the combination of nitrogen and phosphorous in the genetic modification helps to produce the proper amounts of nutrients and amino acids for the hogs. However, hog farmers must strictly modify and control hog feed to ensure the proper balance of nutrients and digestibility.

“The pigs’ needs change from day to day,” Stahly said. “So the feeding systems need to be modified almost weekly.”

At this time, there are no genetically modified compounds or hormones being used in the hog industry, Stahly said, but there is an interest in feed ingredients.

Although there are concerns surrounding genetic modification and re-engineering in food crops, Hurburgh said it can improve the health of the consumer.

Hurburgh believes that public attention and concern toward food was sparked with the “mad cow” epidemic in Europe.

It has left some consumers skeptical about the various hormones, genetic modifications and additives that are used in food and livestock, he said.

Biotechnology and genetic re-engineering professionals have created informational public programs to “better enable [agricultural] markets to meet the needs and concerns of their customers,” Hurburgh said.

Although customers may not readily see the effects of re-engineering ventures, it has benefits “waiting in the wings,” he said.

Hurburg said the United States has excellent testing programs for various crops and foodstuffs, which all have to pass through rigorous evaluation before they are approved and sold.

Stahly echoed this view.

“The new grain products should be widely accepted by hog producers since crop re-engineering is used for a majority of the crops in Iowa,” he said.