Peter Delahanty was the head of a biotech company named Genetic Enterprises. He held a press conference to present his company's latest product: a genetically engineered pig that was a ruminant, hence the name "R-Strain". This meant that the R-strain would absorb more nutrients from it's feed since "cud crewing" allowed better digestion. As a consequence, the pigs would gain weight faster and could be brought to market sooner, earning the farmers a bigger return. Not knowing the answer, Delahanty contacted an acquaintance who might know, one Rabbi Aaron Kaplan.