Connectedness between contemporary groups in Black Slavonian pig

Abstract

Establishing breeding programmes for preserved autochthonous breeds might be a good way for their sustainable utilization. The goal of the genetic evaluation according to breeding programme is to select breeding animals which will be used by the larger number of farmers. Connectedness between contemporary groups plays important role for an accurate comparison of animals when animal model is used for genetic evaluation. The level of connectedness between contemporary groups was analysed in 10,233 litter records of Black Slavonian (BS) pigs. Natural service was predominant way of mating in the analysed population, resulting with a few links for reference sires. An animal model was used in order to consider all pedigree information. The assessment of connectedness was carried out on 16 contemporary groups defined as breeding organisations based on regional locations. Connectedness rating (CR) method with number of piglets born alive as the focal trait, and gene flow method were used to assess the information about the level of connectedness. The average CR was ranged from 0.11 to 0.55. The average CR between contemporary groups was lower than minimum required CR in seven contemporary groups and higher in nine contemporary groups. Gene flow method showed that contemporary group 7 was the main source of germplasm for other breeding organisations. Increase of the level of connectedness by applying artificial insemination in BS population can hardly occur due to high cost of testing facilities. Further steps in managing the level of connectedness should include improvement in pedigree data quality and application of optimal contribution selection with factorial mating procedures in order to balance conservation and selection goals.