Abstract
The indigenous Tswana pig is currently listed as an endangered animal genetic resource and if not conserved, might go extinct. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity (genetic characterization) of the indigenous Tswana pig population. Blood samples were collected from 30 randomly selected Tswana pigs in Kgatleng and South-East districts of Botswana for the assessment of genetic diversity using a panel of 12 FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. All the microsatellite markers screened in indigenous Tswana pigs were polymorphic and the number of observed alleles per marker varied between 3 (SW2406) and 9 (SW225) with mean number of alleles per marker of 6.33. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 (SW2405) to 0.875 (SW2465) with average observed heterozygosity across all 12 loci of 0.647. The expected heterozygosity was lower than the observed heterozygosity and ranged between 0.143 (SW2405) and 0.776 (SO385) with mean expected heterozygosity across all loci of 0.603. The allelic diversity and levels of heterozygosity indicate high levels of genetic diversity in Tswana pig population. The within-locus inbreeding coefficient (Fis) ranged between -0.321(S0120) and 0.234 (SW35) with inbreeding coefficient of the entire population of -0.012 indicating that the Tswana pig population is relatively outbred. Key words: Genetic diversity, microsatellite markers, heterozygosity
Highlights
Indigenous pigs are kept by the rural populace under the low-output free range production system
During the 1980’s, indigenous Tswana pigs were found in South East, Kgatleng and Kweneng districts of Botswana while nowadays they are fairly well distributed in the south east district of the country in and around Ramotswa village (Nsoso et al, 2006)
All the microsatellite markers screened in indigenous Tswana pigs were polymorphic (Table 2)
Summary
Indigenous pigs are kept by the rural populace under the low-output free range production system. Resource-poor farmers in rural areas view genetic improvement of indigenous Tswana pigs as synonymous to crossbreeding, grading up and possible breed replacement with exotic breeds (Nsoso et al, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
