Morphofunctional changes in some internal organs during domestication of pigs

Abstract

Aim. To identify the phylogenetic changes of the evolutionary process in the historical aspect of pig domestication. Domestication is the process of phylogenetic transformation of wild animals into domestic animals. The main role in this process belongs to artificial selection, especially its destabilizing form. Undoubtedly, as a result of destabilizing form of selection, wide phenotypic variation appears in domesticated pig populations. Methods. Using archaeological, morphological, biochemical, genetic and zootechnical methods of investigation, we were able to establish morphological features of some internal organs in connection with domestication of pigs. Results. In studying pig evolution, the European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ferus) was the direct object of our studies in comparison with breeding animals of the Large White Pig Breed, which emerged after domestication of the Wild Boar in Europe. Modern research shows that artificial (destructive, disruptive, stabilizing) selection and selection under appropriate feeding and housing conditions played a significant role in domestication and breeding, namely the Large White Boar. Conclusions. Prematurity processes and formation of modern pig breeds mainly occurred by increasing the variability of traits, precocity, mass and size of animals, some internal organs and systems.