Creole Pig Research Articles

Genome-wide diversity, linkage disequilibrium, and admixture in the main Colombian Creole pig breeds

Colombian Creole pigs have adapted to tropical conditions for over 500 years. They have been modified by natural and artificial selection in different regions. At present, the diversity and current introgression status are unknown. The objective was to estimate the genomic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, population structure, and admixture of four Colombian pig breeds and their relationship with other breeds worldwide. Three Colombian pig breeds (SPE-San Pedreño, 11 samples; ZUN-Zungo, 11 samples; CM-Casco de Mula, ten samples) from the conservation nucleus and one biotype not recognized as a breed (CCH-Criollo Chocoano, seven samples) were genotyped using the Illumina GGP-Porcine80K chip. Open-access data from seven international breeds were also included. Colombian Creole pigs showed moderate genetic differentiation (FST 0.14) globally, but several groups of animals separated, suggesting local clustering due to geographical isolation or different founding effects. Colombian Creole pigs showed breed imprinting and specific grouping in all analyses except for CCH, which, like the Ecuadorian Creole, was a cluster of admixtures. The Colombian Creole pigs revealed a significant relationship with the Iberian pig and some other breeds to varying degrees. However, good maintenance of the conservation nucleus was evidenced. Potential adaptive genes, mainly related to immunological functions, were found, according to FST and pcadapt analyses. This study provides a foundation and scientific data for policy decisions on zoogenetic resources.

Re-domestication of feral pigs in Martinique: first results of growing-finishing trials to test meat consumption and consumers' perceptions.

In Martinique, pig production satisfies less than 20% of demand for pork, with traditional pig farming and wild pig hunting covering only a small proportion. This study has three parts: (i) for the first time, it analyses the performance of domesticated descendants of Creole feral pigs of Martinique based on a 29-day finishing test on two farms (A vs. B) with the same fibre-rich diet on a total of 40 pigs; (ii) it evaluates consumers' tastes based on a sensorial test by an untrained panel of 61 consumers who tasted pork prepared as a fricassee from either farm A or farm B; and (iii) evaluates willingness to pay (WTP) for Creole pork products and of the design of a future niche market. The average daily gain (ADG) of the finishing pigs was higher on farm A than on farm B (256 vs. 100 g/d, P < 0.001) resulting in a higher hot carcass weight on farm A than farm B (41.3 vs. 33.5 kg, P < 0.01), and better hot carcass yield on farm B than farm A (74.0 vs 68.8 %, P < 0.01). In the sensorial test, the consumers gave a higher score to the meat originating from the youngest pigs (Farm B), especially scores for tenderness and juiciness (+0.94 and +0.55 points, P < 0.05 and P=0.10, respectively). The 61 respondents were willing to pay more for processed products (sausage, pâté, ham) than for fresh meat. They considered that Creole pork has a better taste and is of better quality than industrial meats originating from mainstream genotypes. According to the majority of respondents, Creole pork should be rich in intra-muscular fat (100% of respondents) and low in inter-muscular fat (60% of respondents). Based on the survey, the main desirable future for Martinique's Creole pig production correspond to a low-carbon system with feed based on local resources, with on-farm slaughtering and short-distance sales (direct-to-consumer farm gate sale, sale at the butcher's or at the pig cooperative).

Identification of breed-specific genomic variants in Colombian Creole pig breeds by whole-genome sequencing

Dissecting genetic variation of local breeds is important for the success of conservation. In this research, we investigated the genomic variation of Colombian Creole (CR) pigs, with a focus on the breed-specific variants in the exonic region of 34 genes with reported effects on adaptive and economic traits. Seven individuals of each of the three CR breeds (CM, Casco de Mula; SP, San Pedreño; and ZU, Zungo) were whole-genome sequenced along with 7 Iberian (IB) pigs and 7 pigs of each of the four most used cosmopolitan (CP) breeds (Duroc, Landrace × Large White, and Pietrain). Molecular variability in CR (6,451,218 variants; from 3,919,242, in SP, to 4,648,069, in CM) was comparable to that in CP, but higher than in IB. For the investigated genes, SP pigs displayed less exonic variants (178) than ZU (254), CM (263), IB (200), and the individual CP genetic types (201 to 335). Sequence variation in these genes confirmed the resemblance of CR to IB and indicates that CR pigs, particularly ZU and CM, are not exempt from selective introgression of other breeds. A total of 50 exonic variants were identified as being potentially specific to CR, including a high-impact deletion in the intron between exons 15 and 16 of the leptin receptor gene, which was only found in CM and ZU. The identification of breed-specific variants in genes related to adaptive and economical traits can bolster the understanding of the role of gene-environment interactions on local adaptation and points the way for effective breeding and conservation of CR pigs.

Genetic relationships of the Yucatan black hairless pig with Iberian breeds using single nucleotide polymorfisms

To conduct ex-situ creole pig conservation programs, it is essential to determine which breeding animals will be used, preferentially those with a more significant Iberian genetic component to preserve their origin. This study used a Yucatan black hairless pigs (YBHP) subpopulation to estimate its genetic diversity and population structure. One hundred four adult pigs were selected for the absence of hair, black skin (without spots), black hoof, and straight snout. The porcine-GGP-50K chip was used for SNP genotyping in YBHP, and information on Iberian and Yucatán hairless pigs from the United States (USYU) was taken from databases. All analysis was performed using PLINK v1.9 and v2.1 software. Inbreeding and fixation index values were lower in YBHP, with high observed heterozygosity and allogamy index values, which agree with those obtained in the populations of Canarias and Chato Murciano. According to the clusters generated by the “Genome-Wide Identity by State” analysis, four groups were identified, one of which included pigs from Guadyerbas, USYU, and YBHP. Between populations, YBHP was closely related to the hairless pigs from Guadyerbas, USYU, and Canarias. Principal component analysis showed the same result. According to the results obtained from the runs of homozygosity investigation, aimed to get pools consensus of regions of overlapping, 119 SNPs associated with genes and biological processes were identified. The BMP7 and NSUN2 genes were associated with epithelial cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and epithelial development. For nutrient metabolism: energy, the HADHA, PPARA, ADD1/SREBF1, and FAT1genes were identified.

Limitations for the production of creole pork in the cooperative sector of eastern Cuba

The objective of this research was to determine the controversial situations in the production of Creole pork in the cooperative sector in Cuba, through the application of a participatory diagnostic system. Interviews were conducted with 50 Creole pig producers belonging to the Cuban Cooperative Organizations of the Holguín municipality. The Vester matrix was used to classify the problems according to their degree of causality, and a SWOT matrix exercise, which was determined through the development of meetings, the application of participatory techniques and group discussions as rural extension work. The 10 main controversial situations were identified, of which four were active problems, four passive, one critical problem and one indifferent. In the evaluated Creole pig breeding systems, the treatment of residuals is null, manure and urine remain in the pens all the time. Reproduction controls are not carried out, affecting the genetic and productive potential. In all cases, the type of reproduction is direct mounting without control. Vaccination and deworming schemes are scarce. One of the demands of the Creole pig breeders surveyed was training in technical, productive and reproductive aspects of animal management.

Characterization and Typology of Backyard Small Pig Farms in Jipijapa, Ecuador.

Simple SummaryThe Jipijapa region in the south of Manabí Province has the maximum contribution to the pig market in Ecuador. In this region, backyard pig production is important for the economy of the small family units. The main objective of this paper was to characterize the traditional systems of Jipijapa’s small-scale pig producers and determine the farm categories according to the current characteristics of those systems for the implementation of the aid policy in the country. The study identified differences between the seven communities studied for social, productive, and local resource variables. Five types of farms were identified by multifactorial and hierarchic cluster analyses. The aspects that most contributed to the differences between those types of farms were the location, the age, the agricultural activities, the participation of women as owners of farms, the use of indigenous resources in construction, the genetics of the animals, and the food sources used. We determined that the rearing of pigs by small pig farmers of the Jipijapa region is, fundamentally, a social activity and is linked to the crops of each area.To characterize the traditional systems of small pig producers in Jipijapa (Manabí, Ecuador) and to classify farms into representative categories, we interviewed fifty-five farmers from seven communities considering four dimensions: social, organizational, production methods, and local food resources. Multiple correspondence analyses and hierarchical clusters were carried out using the Ward method. The analysis differentiated communities based on social, productive, and local resource variables, showing three factors that accounted for 85.3% of the total variance: the socioeconomic dimension, related to the welfare of families, explained 34.4% of the variation, the care provided to animals explained 30.9%, and the management practices for the supply of food explained 20%. We identified five clusters that shared common characteristics: Group 1 included farmers from Albajacal, wage workers, and Creole pig breeders, Group 2 included farmers raising pigs under lockdown conditions, Group 3 typified traditional farms from the La Cuesta community, Group 4 included landowners, and Group 5 included professionalized farmers in Colón Alfaro. We also studied the supplied alternative food formulations made up of crop surpluses. The role of small pig farmers is a social activity linked to the location, the crops of each area, and the specific practices for the care of animals.

A comparative analysis of SLA-DRB1 genetic diversity in Colombian (creoles and commercial line) and worldwide swine populations

Analysing pig class II mayor histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is mainly related to antigen presentation. Identifying frequently-occurring alleles in pig populations is an important aspect to be considered when developing peptide-based vaccines. Colombian creole pig populations have had to adapt to local conditions since entering Colombia; a recent census has shown low amounts of pigs which is why they are considered protected by the Colombian government. Commercial hybrids are more attractive regarding production. This research has been aimed at describing the allele distribution of Colombian pigs from diverse genetic backgrounds and comparing Colombian SLA-DRB1 locus diversity to that of internationally reported populations. Twenty SLA-DRB1 alleles were identified in the six populations analysed here using sequence-based typing. The amount of alleles ranged from six (Manta and Casco Mula) to nine (San Pedreño). Only one allele (01:02) having > 5% frequency was shared by all three commercial line populations. Allele 02:01:01 was shared by five populations (around > 5% frequency). Global FST indicated that pig populations were clearly structured, as 20.6% of total allele frequency variation was explained by differences between populations (FST = 0.206). This study’s results confirmed that the greatest diversity occurred in wild boars, thereby contrasting with low diversity in domestic pig populations.

Characterizing practices and the sanitary status of farms of Creole and Creole-like pigs in Martinique

The study aimed at characterizing the management of 27 pig farms in the framework of a conservation program of the Creole pig of Martinique. Blood samples were collected on 67 pigs for serological analysis. A multivariate analysis discriminated six groups of farms: group 1 (n = 9) consisted of family farms with fewer than three boars and a higher age of replacement of reproducers than the other farms (6.2 vs 5.0 years, p &lt; 0.01); group 2 (n = 5) consisted of small farms with two matings per sow per year and with more than two livestock species; group 3 (n = 5) consisted of farms with more than four boars and more than four sows, with batch management and a feeding diet mainly based on industrial concentrates; group 4 (n = 4) consisted of family farms with pigs reared outdoors and a feeding diet mainly based on local resources (50 to 100% of the total diet content); group 5 (n = 3) consisted of mixed farming systems with more than three boars and more than 10 sows; and group 6 consisted of a farm with a high number of females without batch management. The analysis of serological data showed that, regardless of the farming system (outdoor, semi outdoor, indoor), the sanitary status of pig farms in Martinique was good, with no identified contagious disease. The typology obtained and the results on the sanitary status of farms are encouraging signs to pursue the project aiming at the conservation of Creole pigs by exchange of healthy reproducers between farmers and the development of a niche market around heritage values.

Caracterización morfológica del cerdo criollo (Sus scrofa domesticus) en el municipio de Nueva Guinea, RACCS

El cerdo criollo es un recurso genético olvidado, que actualmente se encuentra sumamente amenazado por el mestizaje de su material genético con diferentes razas especializadas. Con el objetivo de realizar su caracterización morfométrica, faneróptica, la relación de variables con el sexo y la edad e identifi cación de biotipos, se realizó el presente estudio, evaluándose un total de 36 machos y 57 hembras en el municipio de Nueva Guinea. Se determinó la edad y 12 medidas morfológicas a partir de las cuales se calcularon 7 índices zoométricos: cefálico (ICF), proporcionalidad (IPD), corporal (ICP), profundidad relativa de pecho (IPRP), torácico (ITO), pelviano (IPV), metacarpo torácico (IMT), y las características fanerópticas en cada uno de los individuos. Del análisis estadístico descriptivo se observó que las medidas zoométricas evaluadas presentaron un rango de variación entre 13.24 % (LK) y 30.68% (DDE), reflejando que se trata de individuos con una alta variabilidad morfoestructural. El análisis de regresión reveló que todas las medidas corporales están relacionadas signifi cativamente con la edad, no así con la variable sexo que solo presento relación positiva con cinco variables y en el total de los casos no son signifi cativas. Respecto a los índices zoométricos, estos cerdos pueden caracterizarse como dolicocéfalos (ICE = 42.51), longilíneos (ICO=98.75) y convexilíneos (IPE), con un tronco relativamente profundo e intermedio entre lo elíptico y lo cilíndrico, refl ejando valores de índice torácico coincidente con su condición de longilíneos. En las características fanerópticas, se destaca que en estos cerdos predominan las capas y mucosas negras, cuerpo con abundante pelo, ausencia de mamelas y sindactilia, con predominio de perfi les rectos. Por el análisis clúster se clasificaron cuatro grupo de animales que presentaron diferencias signifi cativas entre cada una de las variables morfométricas evaluadas. Los resultados obtenidos desprenden que se trata de individuos con alta variabilidad morfoestructural y por lo tanto es difícil hacer una tipificación zoométrica de la raza, y por otro lado que los grupos de individuos diferenciados por cluster, aun y cuando presentan diferencias estadísticamente signifi cativas entre las distintas variables, no pueden ser considerados como biotipos diferenciados genéticamente, sino consecuencia del ambiente, necesitando de un tratamiento a nivel molecular y no simplemente basado en medidas zootécnicas.

Efecto del Tipo de Alimentación sobre el Comportamiento Productivo, Características de la Canal y Calidad de Carne del Cerdo Criollo Negro Cajamarquino

El estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos dietas sobre el comportamiento productivo, características de la canal y calidad de la carne del cerdo criollo negro cajamarquino. Se emplearon 32 lechones destetados, distribuidos en cuatro tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones por cada tratamiento y dos animales por repetición. La mitad de los cerdos fueron alimentados con desechos de restaurante y residuos de camal de aves y la otra mitad con un concentrado de maíz y soya. La mitad de cada grupo fueron machos castrados y la otra mitad hembras. Se llevó un registro de pesos de los cerdos. A los 120 días de engorde fueron sacrificados, determinándose las características de la canal y la calidad de carne a través del músculo Longissimus lumbar. Se encontró una interacción significativa entre alimentación x sexo en el peso vivo final y conversión alimenticia (p&lt;0.05). El peso y rendimiento de la canal no estuvo influenciado por el sexo o alimento. Los cerdos alimentados con concentrado obtuvieron una mayor ganancia media diaria de peso y mejor conversión alimenticia y mayor proteína y menor contenido de ácido oleico en la carne que los cerdos alimentados con desechos de restaurantes y residuos de camal de aves.

Caracterización morfométrica y faneróptica del cerdo criollo de la región Chortí, Chiquimula, Guatemala

En la región chortí de Guatemala, la presencia de cerdos criollos y su crianza sigue siendo una práctica de obtención de proteína para consumo y de recursos económicos. En esta investigación el objetivo fue generar información sobre las principales características zoométricas, morfológicas y fanerópticas, del cerdo criollo (hembras 44/machos 24), se utilizó un muestreo simple aleatorio para proporciones con varianza máxima, considerando un nivel de confianza del 95%. La caracterización se realizó en animales jóvenes que cumplieron con el estándar racial, ambos sexos,no gestantes y de las comunidades previamente identificadas; se analizaron 12 variables morfométricas y 10 fanerópticas,7 índices corporales. Como resultados las morfométricas son homogéneas al igual que los índices corporales,de tamaño corporal de pequeño a mediano, cabeza larga y angosta (dolicocefálicos) de cuerpo corto y delgado (mediolíneoscon tendencia a longilíneos). No presentan dimorfismo sexual, con perfil frontonasal rectilíneo, con orejas asiáticas e ibéricas, de capa negra a manchada colorada y negra, escaso pelo a abundante, pezuñas pigmentadasy blancas, mucosas pigmentadas. Su alto índice pelviano indica que son animales de capacidad reproductiva baja,debido a la estreches de pélvica. Además, se concluye que el cerdo criollo tiene su origen en el tronco Ibérico.

El Cerdo Criollo Costero: Valioso recurso zoogenético local de la provincia de Buenos Aires Argentina

El cerdo Criollo costero (CCC), forma parte de la cultura popular de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Se utiliza para producir carne y chacinados desde el principio de la colonización española hasta la actualidad. A pesar de esto, nunca se lo ha valorado zootécnicamente y no ha sido tenido en cuenta como recurso genético en la producción porcina moderna. El mayor número de ejemplares se mantiene como cerdo cimarrón en una amplia zona costera de la provincia. No se han estudiado aún sus características productivas ni su importancia económica y social. Se plantea aquí la necesidad de constituir un centro genético porcino local, destinado a caracterizar productivamente este recurso genético local para lograr un aprovechamiento más racional.

Genome data from a sixteenth century pig illuminate modern breed relationships.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) provides direct evidence of historical events that have modeled the genome of modern individuals. In livestock, resolving the differences between the effects of initial domestication and of subsequent modern breeding is not straight forward without aDNA data. Here, we have obtained shotgun genome sequence data from a sixteenth century pig from Northeastern Spain (Montsoriu castle), the ancient pig was obtained from an extremely well-preserved and diverse assemblage. In addition, we provide the sequence of three new modern genomes from an Iberian pig, Spanish wild boar and a Guatemalan Creole pig. Comparison with both mitochondrial and autosomal genome data shows that the ancient pig is closely related to extant Iberian pigs and to European wild boar. Although the ancient sample was clearly domestic, admixture with wild boar also occurred, according to the D-statistics. The close relationship between Iberian, European wild boar and the ancient pig confirms that Asian introgression in modern Iberian pigs has not existed or has been negligible. In contrast, the Guatemalan Creole pig clusters apart from the Iberian pig genome, likely due to introgression from international breeds.

Influence of Sugar Cane Diets and a High Fibre Commercial Diet on Growth and Carcass Performance in Local Caribbean Pigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a milling by-product diet and two sugar cane diets on the local Creole pig breed (CR). A total of 48 CR pigs (24 females and 24 castrated males) were randomly assigned to four different groups of 12 animals. Pigs were allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments: fed with a control soya-bean meal-corn diet containing 19.1% crude protein (CP) and 15.4 MJ DE/kg (diet 1), with an experimental milling by-product diet (soya-bean meal and wheat by-products) containing 19.4% CP and 13.0 MJ DE/kg (diet 2), with ground cane stalks (GCS) or with fresh sugar cane juice (SCJ). Both GCS and SCJ were supplemented with soya-bean meal complement (400 g/d of a 48.7% CP and 16.1 MJ DE/kg diet) in order to obtain diets 3 and 4, respectively. Pigs were fed close to ad libitum level and had free access to water. All the pigs were slaughtered at 65 kg BW. Between 30 and 65 kg BW, growth performance was significantly (p<0.001) affected by dietary treatments: average daily BW gain was 657, 530, 546 and 200 g/d for diets 1, 2, 4, and 3, respectively. Average daily DM intake was 1.8, 1.9, 2.5 and 1.4 kg/d for diets 1, 2, 4, and 3, respectively. Fat cuts (backfat+leaf fat) and backfat thickness were significantly lower on diet 3 than for other treatments (127 vs. 192, 166 g/kg of left half-carcass weight and 24.6 vs. 39.0, 35.3 mm for diet 3 vs. diets 1 and 4, and diet 2, respectively; p<0.001). The dressing weight was significantly lower on diets 2 (82.7 vs. 84.0%; p<0.001). The entire empty digestive tract (DT) weight was higher on diet 2 (73.1 vs. 66.7 g/kg empty BW). However, stomach and large intestine were more developed on diet 3: 12.8 vs. 9.3 g/100 g empty DT (p<0.001) and 26.4 vs. 23.8 g/100 g empty DT (p<0.05), respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests the CR pig has the ability to reach rather good growth and carcass performance with a well-formulated sugar cane meal and/or with a milling by-product diet refined according to its low requirements.

Digestibility and nitrogen retention in Creole pigs fed with feedstuffs available in peasant systems in south of Mexico

Peasant pig production in South of Mexico consist in kept pigs in the backyard. This is a complementary activity for the family income. The pigs are a significant source of protein, but their real meaning lay in their role as a “peasants’ savings bank”, an asset that could easily be tapped into when cash is needed. In this system Creole pigs are used mainly. The Creole pig is descendent from Iberico and Celtico pigs carried from Spain after the conquest of Mexico five hundred years ago. The Creole pig is fatter, have a reduced liveweigth gain and less fertility in comparison to selected breeds of pigs. However, these characteristics are an advantage for the peasant pig system, due to low nutrient requirements of Creole pigs that match very well with the feed available from the agriculture such as maize, Mucuna beans (Stilozobium deerengianum) and forages. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate digestibility and nitrogen retention in Creole pigs fed with feedstuffs obtainable from agriculture in peasant systems in comparison with a diet utilised commonly in commercial pig production systems.

Genetic analysis of Mexican hairless pig populations.

The main Creole pig population in Mexico, the hairless Mexican pig, remains as an unimproved and endangered genetic resource. In order to learn more about the genetic characteristics of this pig population, we assessed the allele frequency of 10 microsatellite loci in 177 unrelated hairless pigs from seven regions at Mexico and in 111 pigs of four commercial breeds (Landrace, Large White, Hampshire, and Duroc). Genetic diversity in each population was estimated by the unbiased average heterozygosity and the allele number. Nei's standard genetic distances and a neighbor-joining dendrogram were used to reveal the genetic relationships among these populations. In this report, we present data showing that the level of the genetic diversity in Mexican hairless pigs is high compared with previous reports, and that they belong to a genetic lineage divergent from commercial breeds. Furthermore, Mexican hairless pigs seem to have developed several genetically distinct lines associated with their geographic location. We conclude that the Mexican Creole pig populations may be a reservoir of genetic diversity that is important to preserve and evaluate as a source of new alleles for the future improvement of commercial pig lines.