LONDON: Organs from pigs could be widely available for transplanting into patients in a decade, scientists say.

The first organs suitable for transplants, most likely kidneys, are expected to be ready for testing within three years and, if tests are successful, their use could be widespread by 2018.

A herd of about 50 pigs is expected to be kept as breeding stock to provide organs 'to order' and to slash waiting times for thousands of people needing transplants, it has been reported.

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