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Dying Navy Veteran Receives Pig Heart Transplant

Surgeons have successfully transplanted a pig’s heart into a dying man – only the second patient to undergo such an experimental feat, the Associated Press (AP) reports. Two days after his surgery, the man was cracking jokes and able to sit in a chair, Maryland doctors told AP on Friday.

Lawrence Faucette, a 58-year-old Navy veteran from Frederick, Md., was facing near-certain death from heart failure. Unfortunately other health problems meant he wasn’t eligible for a traditional heart transplant,  doctors at University of Maryland Medicine told AP.

Doctors said they were thrilled at Faucette’s early response to the pig organ, but pointed out that the next few weeks are critical.

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Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena

Video: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena


In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena from North Carolina State University explains how faba beans can be used in pig diets as a source of both starch and protein. He discusses environmental benefits, inclusion rates, frost-damaged beans, tannin concerns, cultivar selection, and how producers can compare faba beans against cereals and protein meals for cost-effective feeding. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and has worked across swine production, feed industry nutrition, contract research, government research, teaching, and extension. His work focuses on swine nutrition, regional feedstuffs, and practical feed formulation. Learn more from Dr. Eduardo Beltranena on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.