Pot-bellied Pig Research Articles

Central Park Offers Multiple Diversions

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Annual Meeting NewsFull AccessCentral Park Offers Multiple DiversionsJoan Arehart-TreichelJoan Arehart-TreichelSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:31 Mar 2014https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2014.2b2AbstractHorses and carriages, a vintage carousel, snow-leopard cubs, and an enchanted forest are some of the treasures you can encounter while strolling through Central Park.Cathy BrownHow about taking a walk through New York City’s famed Central Park? It could give you a nice break during the APA annual meeting and also a splendid sense of the Manhattan of yesteryear.For example, a century or so ago, Central Park was bustling with horses pulling phaetons, runabouts, and tandems. Today you can still hear the clop-clop of hooves as horses pull carriages containing tourists around the park. The horses and carriages can be hired at the southern end of the park—that is, along 59th Street across from the Plaza Hotel.Walking just a few blocks farther into the park will bring you to a carousel emitting nostalgia-provoking calliope music and making the rounds with 57 magnificent steeds. The carousel has been enchanting children and adults in that location for more than half a century. The carousel was crafted back in 1908, but was later found abandoned in an old trolley terminal on Coney Island before being relocated to Central Park in 1951. It is one of the largest carousels in the United States and an outstanding example of American folk art.The park offers more recent additions too—such as a garden dedicated to Beatle John Lennon. It is located near 72nd Street and Central Park West—across the street from the Dakota Apartments where Lennon lived until he was murdered in front of the building in 1980. The garden is called Strawberry Fields, after one of the Beatles’ songs, and the focus of the garden is an Italian mosaic bearing the title of Lennon’s most famous solo song—“Imagine,” which evokes a world without strife or war. More than 120 countries have endorsed Strawberry Fields as a Garden of Peace.Register Now! May 3-7, New York CityInformation on APA’s annual meeting can be accessed at APA’s Web site here. Member Registration can be accessed here (click on “Member Registration.”). Nonmember Registration: Go to the above URL and click on “Nonmember Registration.”.Late advance registration rates are in effect until May 1.Central Park has something for animal fans as well—the Central Park Zoo. Its five-plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house. Two of the zoo’s most popular residents are snow-leopard cubs that are part of a breeding program designed to enhance the genetic diversity and demographic stability of the animals. Among the world’s most endangered big cats, their range is limited to remote mountains in Central Asia and parts of China, Mongolia, Russia, India, and Bhutan.The newest addition to the Central Park Zoo is the Tisch Children’s Zoo. Here, children can get close to goats, sheep, a cow, and a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. Small bronze sculptures of the animals stand next to their pens. When a child touches a sculpture, it emits an appropriate noise. The Children’s Zoo also includes an Enchanted Forest and the Acorn Theatre, where actors perform daily shows.Finally, you might like to wander over to the Sheep Meadow, located in the southwestern area of the park from 66th to 69th streets. Until 1934, it was just what its name implies—a meadow for a flock of sheep. Today, it is a favorite spot for picnickers, kite flyers, sunbathers, families, and visitors who come to admire the dazzling New York City skyline encircling the park. ■More information about Central Park can be accessed here; information about the Central Park Zoo is located here. ISSUES NewArchived

Choriocarcinoma-like tumor in a potbellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A uterine tumor, with histological and immunohistochemical features consistent with those of human choriocarcinoma, was identified in a 10-year-old unmated female pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa). The tumor showed biphasic proliferation of cytotrophoblast-like cells and syncytiotrophoblast-like cells. Immunohistochemically, the syncytiotrophoblast-like cells were positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, and both types of cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, octamer-binding transcription factor 4, and α-fetoprotein. Because syncytiotrophoblasts are absent in the normal porcine placenta, the tumor was diagnosed as a choriocarcinoma-like tumor.

The visitor effect in petting zoo-housed animals: Aversive or enriching?

Two studies were carried out on the effect of visitors on mixed-breed goats, llama, and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs housed in a petting zoo display within a safari park. In the first study we investigated the effect of the presence and density of visitors on the animals’ behaviour and in the second, the effect of animal grooming by the visitors. We hypothesised that the animals’ behaviour would be negatively affected by presence of visitors compared to periods of their absence, but this hypothesis was not fully supported by the data. Goat and llama behaviour was unaffected by the presence of the public, while the pigs showed decreased inactivity and social behaviour, both affiliative and aggressive, when visitors were present.All three study species exhibited increased levels of non-aggressive interaction with the public when visitor density was higher but the level of avoidance or aggression towards visitors was not dependent on density. The goats were less often in physical contact with other goats and less likely to be within proximity of a non-conspecific when visitor numbers were high, whereas the pigs showed decreased feeding, a behaviour that constituted a majority of their activity budget. Species differences were observed in the proportion of samples the study groups interacted in a non-aggressive manner with visitors, goats being most likely and llama the least likely to engage in this behaviour. In the second study visitors were provided with a grooming tool and asked to groom the animals, but no significant behavioural change was observed in either goats or pigs as a result. Visitors groomed goats, but not pigs, more than they interacted with them in non-grooming interactions, and goats, but not pigs, responded less to grooming as visitor density increased.Although significant behavioural changes in all three study species were associated with either visitor presence or density, the low levels of avoidance of visitors, visitor-directed aggression, or animal-directed aggression, suggest the welfare of the study animals was not profoundly impacted by visitor-related stimuli. Furthermore, there was no evidence that grooming by the public was enriching for the animals. The species differences reported here do suggest, however, that Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and llama are more sensitive to visitor pressure than goats and particular attention to their welfare may be necessary when they are housed in petting zoo displays.

Pets becoming established in the wild: free–living Vietnamese potbellied pigs in Spain

Vietnamese potbellied (VPB) pigs (Sus scrofa) are a common pet in North America and Europe, but their recent decrease in popularity has increased their abandonment. Our main aim was to identify potential cases of free–living VPB pigs in Spain through an in–depth Google search. We identified 42 cases of free–living VPB pigs distributed throughout the country. The number of free–living VPB pigs reported increased by year but the species abundance still seems to be low. Signs of VPB pig reproduction and possible hybrids between VPB pigs and wild boar or feral pigs have been also reported. Free–living VPB pigs could erode the gene pool of the Spanish wild boar population and exacerbate the damage (e.g. crop damage or spread of diseases) already caused by wild board. Urgent evaluation and adequate management of wild VPB pig sightings is needed to prevent their establishment in natural habitats.

Ungulate Biology, Health and Management in the 21st century: the Tables are Turned in the Iberian Peninsula

Ungulate Biology, Health and Management in the 21st century: the Tables are Turned in the Iberian Peninsula

Mineral composition of urinary calculi from potbellied pigs with urolithiasis: 50 cases (1982–2012)

To determine the mineral composition and anatomic location of urinary calculi and to investigate sex and reproductive status as predisposing factors for development of urolithiasis in potbellied pigs. Retrospective case series Urinary calculi from 50 purebred and crossbred potbellied pigs. Laboratory records for urinary calculi of potbellied pigs submitted to the University of California-Davis Stone Laboratory from 1982 through 2012 were reviewed. Mineral composition of calculi was determined by polarized light microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and, in some cases, x-ray diffractometry. Of the 48 urinary calculi analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, 21 (44%) were composed primarily of amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate; another 9 (19%) were primarily composed of calcium phosphate in the form of apatite. Of 50 urinary calculi, 22 (44%), 14 (28%), 10 (20%), 3 (6%), and 1 (2%) were removed from the urinary bladder only, urethra, both urinary bladder and urethra, urine, and renal pelvis, respectively. Sex of 6 potbellied pigs was not recorded. For 44 urinary calculi, 41 (93%) were from males (11 sexually intact males and 30 castrated) and 3 (7%) were from females (2 sexually intact females and 1 spayed). Among males, 73% (30/41) of submissions were from castrated males. In contrast to results from studies in commercial pigs, the most common composition of urinary calculi identified in purebred and crossbred potbellied pigs was amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate. Potential predisposing factors for urolithiasis in potbellied pigs may be similar to those for urolithiasis in commercial pigs. These include diet, urinary tract infections, and sex. Thus, prevention of urolithiasis should target these potential predisposing factors.

Surgical stabilization of shoulder luxation in a pot-bellied pig

Case Description-A 4.6-month-old pot-bellied pig was evaluated because of non-weight-bearing lameness (grade 5/5) in the right forelimb of 4 days' duration. Clinical Findings-Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a closed, lateral luxation of the right shoulder joint. Treatment and Outcome-Initial attempts at closed reduction failed to provide adequate stability of the shoulder joint. Open reduction and internal fixation by placement of 2 lateral tension sutures with a system designed for canine cranial cruciate ligament repair provided adequate joint stability and a successful outcome. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Stabilization of the shoulder joint with lateral tension sutures after open reduction should be considered for management of lateral shoulder luxation in pot-bellied pigs.

Structural homology and expression tendency of the natural immune response of the terminal complement components to inoculations in pigs: a review

The transmission of infectious agents from domestic animals to humans is a matter of particular concern at present. Inoculation can enhance the defences of each individual animal but only in the short term. Certainly, it will be of immense benefit if biotechnology and genetic techniques are applied to farm animal breeding and selection programs to improve productivity, performance and health status as well as for the construction of sustainable animal production systems and promotion of animal welfare. In recent years, efforts to drive candidate genes like cytokines, haptoglobin, complement system, C-reactive protein, a 2-macroglobulin, retinol binding protein, transcortin, and etc. associated with immune traits have successfully been studied in human and different animal species. Here, we compared the molecular structure and evaluated the expression tendency of the haemolytic complement activity (HCA) of porcine candidate genes encoding the terminal complement components (TCC) C6–9. The results suggested that (1) high homology of complement genes among mammalian species may open new ways in cure/ treatment of disease; (2) Muong Khuong animals (Vietnamese potbelly pig) have a great genetic potential to improve the health status of pigs; and (3) HCA in the classical pathway can be developed further by different activation modes, with the potential improvement of animal health.

Oesophagostominae (Nematoda: Chabertiidae) Of Suids From Southern Poland / Oesophagostominae (Nematoda: Chabertiidae) u świniowatych z Polski południowej

Abstract Until recently, the genus Oesophagostomum was the only Oesophagostominae occurring commonly in both domestic and wild suids of Europe. A few years ago, an alien oesophagostomin nematode Bourgelatia diducta was recorded in the wild boar population from southern Poland, and Vietnamese potbellied pig was blamed for introduction of this Far Eastern parasite. Apart from wild boars kept in captivity for meat production purposes, Vietnamese potbellied pigs can be raised in extensive, organic, or especially agrotourism farms, which constitutes an infection hazard to domestic pigs. The aim of the research was to determine and compare species composition of Oesophagostominae in wild boars from the natural environment, and in domestic pigs from extensively managed farms, located in the area where B. diducta was previously noted for the first time. A postmortem examination of the large intestines of 25 wild boars and 20 domestic pigs, each from different smallholdings, was conducted in the autumn and winter season of 2010- 2011. Oesophagostomum dentatum with coexisting O. quadrispinulatum were ascertained in swine, whereas the sole Bourgelatia diducta was recorded in wild boars. All the parasites occurred commonly in their hosts, with the prevalence of 80, 50 and 32% for O. dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum and B. diducta, respectively. Mean number of worms was many-fold higher in pigs, reaching 181 (range 1 to 2500) specimens in individual host, versus 3 (1-6) parasites in wild boars. A presumable influence of the alien nematode species on the European wild boar population as well as the potential for further spread of the parasite are elucidated

Detection of a polymorphic site of the porcine <i>C8G</i> gene and evaluation of association with haemolytic complement activity

Abstract. C8 is a component of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system, which causes lysis of the target cells. C8 consists of three subunits C8A, C8B, and C8G. This study focus on the porcine C8G gene aiming to identify its cDNA sequence, to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and to analyse its association with haemolytic complement activity in the classical (CH50) and the alternative (AH50) pathway. The C8G is 840 bp in length encoding 202 amino acids. The C8G is similar (≥65 %) among mammalian species (pig, human, cattle, dog, and mouse) at both the cDNA and the protein level. One SNP was detected at nucleotide 423C→T (SNP c.423C>T; codon 124GAC→GAT). The SNP does not segregate among the European commercial breeds German Landrace and Pietrain but in the Vietnamese autochthonous breed Muong Khuong (Vietnamese potbelly pig) and an experimental F2 crossbreed population based on Duroc and Berlin Miniature Pig (DUMI). Haemolytic complement activity of animals of the DUMI populations obtained at about 6, 14 and 16 weeks of age before and after vaccinations showed short-termed increments due to the immune stimulation and long-term increase due to aging. Family based association tests indicate effects of C8G on AH50 and CH50 at 16 weeks of age immediately before PRRS vaccination (AH50_PRRS0, P=0.087; CH50_PRRS0, P=0.027). However, the results did not indicate a consistent effect of the respective alleles on haemolytic complement activity in the alternative and the classical pathway. The study provides weak evidence for the candidacy of the porcine C8G for innate immune response and disease resistance in pigs.

Hepatocellular carcinomas in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa)

Various neoplasms have been reported in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa) with few reports of hepatocellular tumors. Twenty-two pot-bellied pigs diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma at necropsy over a 3-year period at one institution are described, representing 29% of the total pot-bellied pigs necropsied. The average age of affected pigs was 16.6 years with 15 males and 7 females. The most common clinical signs were decreased appetite (16/22) and weight loss (7/22). Grossly, the majority were massive tumors (13/22) with fewer nodular tumors (8/22) and 1 diffuse tumor. Massive tumors were typically multilobulated, very large, and encompassing 1 or more adjacent liver lobes, and were soft to firm and tan-yellow to orange-brown. Nodular tumors had multiple, 1-15 cm in diameter, discrete nodules in multiple liver lobes. Gross evidence of abscesses, necrosis, hemorrhage, or cysts associated with the tumor was occasionally described. Half of the cases had possible intrahepatic metastasis, and extrahepatic metastasis was identified in 3 cases, including to the hepatic lymph node (1/3), lung (2/3), spleen (1/3), and kidney (1/3). Histologically, all tumors had a trabecular or solid pattern, or a combination. An adenoid pattern was only identified in small regions of a few tumors. The neoplastic cells were relatively well-differentiated with moderate pleomorphism and a low mitotic index. Other histologic features within the tumors included intracellular glycogen or lipid accumulation, extramedullary hematopoiesis, foci of coagulative necrosis, and bile stasis. Aged pot-bellied pigs can be predisposed to hepatocellular carcinomas, which are locally aggressive and can metastasize within the liver and to other organs.

Pot-bellied pig neoplasia

The current report summarizes the incidence and variety of neoplasms in pot-bellied pigs as documented by the pathology group at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) between 2004 and 2011. Sixty-three pot-bellied pig cases (53 necropsies and 10 surgical biopsies) were identified from the UTCVM case database. Of these, 22 cases from 21 patients (34.9%) were given a diagnosis of neoplasia, including 10 females, 3 spayed females, 2 males, and 7 neutered males. The mean age of affected animals was 11.3 years. The incidence of neoplasia among the necropsy cases was 28% (15/53), and in the surgical biopsy material, the incidence was 70% (7/10). Reproductive and gastrointestinal tissues were most commonly affected, and malignancies were frequently identified, with hepatic and intestinal carcinomas predominating. Multiple neoplasms were often identified in patients submitted for necropsy, and in 4 out of 11 of the necropsy cases, at least 1 of the neoplasms was a malignancy. Six necropsy cases revealed metastatic spread.

Use of cecal bypass via side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis without ileal transection for treatment of ileocecal intussusception in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A 5-year-old castrated male Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa) was evaluated because of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Hypermotile gastrointestinal sounds were noted on abdominal auscultation. An inflammatory leukogram, dehydration, prerenal azotemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypomagnesemia, and high γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity were identified. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed distended loops of small intestine. IV fluid therapy and analgesic treatment were unsuccessful in the resolution of clinical signs. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an ileocecal intussusception involving the distal portion of the ileum. Distal ileal and cecal bypass were achieved via side-to-side anastomosis of the proximal portion of the ileum and spiral colon with a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. Ileal transection or occlusion was not performed. Postoperative complications were minimal, and the pig was clinically normal 15 months after surgery and required no special care or diet. Distal ileal and cecal bypass without ileal transection have not been described previously in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Anastomosis of the proximal portion of the ileum to the spiral colon without major complications represents a novel, technically simple approach to bypass of the distal portion of the ileum and cecum.

Bye, bye Billy… hello Tilly!

Former headteacher Alistair Bryce-Clegg recalls the day Billy the pot-bellied pig turned up his trotters. You can read Alistair's blog at abcdoes.com

Effect of area decrease in a food competition situation in captive wild boars (Sus scrofa)

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of area reduction on the hierarchy-dependent behaviors of wild boars and crossbred sows (wild boar × Vietnamese pot-bellied pig) living in captivity, with regard to a food competition situation. We first defined the hierarchy system among 7 individuals, living together for more than a year, with a mathematical model based on wins and defeats. We then tested the possibility of a correspondence between the rank position and the age and/or weight. In a first experiment, we defined the frequency of dominant and submissive behavioral elements depending on the rank and on the group level in a food competition situation. We analyzed individually the time spent feeding. In a second experiment, we reduced the size of their living area and observed the potential modifications of the dominant and submissive elements’ frequency as well as the time spent feeding. We found a linear hierarchy among the sows. We did not find any relationship between the rank and the age or the rank and the weight of the animals. However, after excluding the youngest and the lightest leader from the analysis, significant correspondence was found among the aforementioned variables. In such cases, the older and heavier sows occupied the higher ranks in the hierarchy. We also observed that the sow with the higher rank position spent more time feeding and presenting aggressive behaviors compared with the other individuals, whereas the sow with the lowest rank position spent the most time displaying submissive behavior. Moreover, the frequency of dominant and submissive behavioral elements increased when reducing the size of the living area. Based on our results, we found that the area reduction and, therefore, the higher density increased the frequency of aggressive and submissive behavioral elements of the sows.

Lipid emboli in a Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A 2-year-old, spayed female Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa) was evaluated due to polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, and hyporexia. The pig was obese, and a large abdominal mass was palpated. Additional findings included hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and an inflammatory leukogram. At surgery, the abdominal mass was biopsied and found to be bilaterally symmetric adipose tissue with mineralization and granulomatous steatitis. An additional surgery was performed to collect additional diagnostic samples, but the pig died while recovering from anesthesia. A cosmetic necropsy was performed, and lipid emboli were identified microscopically in various tissues. The presence of lipid emboli in the lung and kidney was supported by antifibrinogen immunohistochemistry. Obesity is a common finding in potbellied pigs; however, mineralization and saponification of fat are uncommon, particularly the bilateral symmetrical distribution found in the abdomen of the present case. This may present as a single intra-abdominal mass complicating diagnostic interpretation. Whether mineralization and saponification of fat facilitate the development of fat embolism is undetermined. Lipid emboli should be considered in obese pigs undergoing medical or surgical procedures. Factors that may predispose to the development of fat embolism, such as excessive handling or bruising of fat stores, should be avoided.

Anesthetic agents and complications in Vietnamese potbellied pigs: 27 cases (1999–2006)

To document complications associated with preanesthetic and anesthetic agents used in Vietnamese potbellied pigs and identify predictors of complications. Retrospective case series. 27 potbellied pigs (14 female and 13 male) ranging in age from 0.25 to 15 years old and ranging in body weight from 5.9 to 169 kg (13.0 to 371.8 lb) that were anesthetized on 32 occasions between 1999 and 2006. Data, including perianesthetic management, anesthetic agents and dosages, complications, and outcome, were retrieved from medical records. Patient information, anesthetic agents, and duration of anesthesia were evaluated as predictors for development of complications. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or sevoflurane during 30 anesthetic episodes. Commonly used premedicants were butorphanol, atropine, and midazolam administered in combination with xylazine or medetomidine and a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and butorphanol. Anesthesia was induced with an inhalation agent on 15 occasions, via injection of ketamine on 10 occasions, and via injection of propofol on 3 occasions. Complications included hypoventilation (16/24 [67%]), hypotension (16/25 [64%]), hypothermia (15/31 [48%]), bradycardia (9/32 [28%]), and prolonged recovery time (7/32 [22%]). None of the factors evaluated were associated with development of these complications. All pigs survived anesthesia. Results suggested that a variety of anesthetic agent combinations can be used to provide anesthesia in potbellied pigs with satisfactory outcomes. Although there were high incidences of hypoventilation, hypotension, and hypothermia, no specific anesthetic agent was associated with development of these complications.

The three-way relationship of polymorphisms of porcine genes encoding terminal complement components, their differential expression, and health-related phenotypes

BackgroundThe complement system is an evolutionary ancient mechanism that plays an essential role in innate immunity and contributes to the acquired immune response. Three modes of activation, known as classical, alternative and lectin pathway, lead to the initiation of a common terminal lytic pathway. The terminal complement components (TCCs: C6, C7, C8A, C8B, and C9) are encoded by the genes C6, C7, C8A, C8B, C8G, and C9. We aimed at experimentally testing the porcine genes encoding TCCs as candidate genes for immune competence and disease resistance by addressing the three-way relationship of genotype, health related phenotype, and mRNA expression.ResultsComparative sequencing of cDNAs of animals of the breeds German Landrace, Piétrain, Hampshire, Duroc, Vietnamese Potbelly Pig, and Berlin Miniature Pig (BMP) revealed 30 SNPs (21 in protein domains, 12 with AA exchange). The promoter regions (each ~1.5 kb upstream the transcription start sites) of C6, C7, C8A, C8G, and C9 exhibited 29 SNPs. Significant effects of the TCC encoding genes on hemolytic complement activity were shown in a cross of Duroc and BMP after vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Aujeszky disease virus and PRRSV by analysis of variance using repeated measures mixed models. Family based association tests (FBAT) confirmed the associations. The promoter SNPs were associated with the relative abundance of TCC transcripts obtained by real time RT-PCR of 311 liver samples of commercial slaughter pigs. Complement gene expression showed significant relationship with the prevalence of acute and chronic lung lesions.ConclusionsThe analyses point to considerable variation of the porcine TCC genes and promote the genes as candidate genes for disease resistance.

Mucinous Adenocarcinoma and T-Cell Lymphoma in the Small Intestine of 2 Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs (Sus scrofa)

Small intestinal T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma are rarely reported in the pig, with most lymphomas being of B-cell origin and only a single report of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Two aged Vietnamese potbellied pigs had concurrent T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. The lymphomas formed polypoid masses that projected into the intestinal lumen, whereas the mucinous adenocarcinomas were mural masses that bulged from the serosal surface. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells within the lymphomas were positive for CD3 and negative for CD79a. Mucicarmine stain highlighted the abundant cytoplasmic and extracellular mucin in the adenocarcinomas.

Genetic management of the Göttingen Minipig population

The Göttingen Minipig is a laboratory animal of worldwide importance. The breed was developed in the 1960's at the University of Göttingen, Germany, using the founder breeds Minnesota Minipigs, Vietnamese Potbelly Pig and German Landrace. After the initial period under free range conditions the population was stocked under high hygienic standards. In 1992 an exclusive licence contract was made between Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs ApS in Denmark and the University of Göttingen. Since 2002 the production and marketing of Göttingen Minipigs in the USA is managed by Marshall Farms, Inc. under licence from Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs A/S. Today, there are three Danish, one American and one German population. The genetic management for all populations is provided by the University of Göttingen. The main focus is the maintenance and reduction of inbreeding and genetic drift, the maintenance of a high degree of uniformity and genetic progress in the main selection traits. The main selection trait in the past was the number of piglets born alive. By producing many piglets per sow and year, a fast genetic exchange of breeding animals could be achieved leading to a minimised inbreeding in the populations. To satisfy the market demands of a small and easy to handle minipig and to overcome the problem of an antagonistic relationship between litter size and body weight, the trait body weight reduction was included in the selection scheme using a restricted selection index. It is planned for the future to include temperament traits in the breeding scheme. Due to fast developments in genome-based breeding applications, these new methods can soon be implemented for an efficient control of genetic drift and inbreeding or even for genome-based selection.