Scientists have created genetically modified pigs that have a quarter less fat than normal pigs.
Researchers from the UK and China used CRIPSR-Cas9, a genetic modification technique, that allowed them to insert a gene into the pigs which means the animals can regulate their temperature better by burning fat.
The genetically modified pigs could save farmers money in heating and feeding costs for piglets, which is a significant problem in the pig farming industry.
Unlike many mammals, pigs are unable to adjust their body temperature to cope in extreme conditions, costing farmers a lot of money to keep them warm.
The researchers inserted a mouse version of the UCP1 into pig cells and used them to create more than 2,000 cloned embryos.
These GM embryos were then implanted into 13 female pigs, three of whom became pregnant and gave birth to 12 male piglets.
The pigs were than slaughtered to enable the scientists to examine them. An autopsy of the animals demonstrated that the organs and tissues seemed normal.
The European Commission has strict rules on GM produce and, at present, no GM animals or derived products are on the EU market.
