**3. The advantage of using miniature pigs**

Pigs are a useful model animals of humans because they have similar anatomy and digestive physiology to human [5-6]. In particular, miniature pigs are easier to breed and handle than other nonprimates, making them an optimal species for preclinical test [7]. Moreover, blood samples can be taken repeatedly and human medical devices such as endoscopes and MRI and CT scanners are also applicable. These advantages increasingly allow miniature pigs for laboratory animals, with recent progress in upgraded supply systems. In spite of some large-scale microarray studies on pigs, only a limited amount of fundamental data is available for pigs compared to other laboratory species [8-9]. In September 2003, the Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium (SGSC) was formed by industry, government, and academia, to promote pig genome sequencing under international coordination [10]. In November 2009, since the announcement of completed swine genome map by members of the SGSC, its research environment has been enhanced [11].
