Population genetics assessment model reveals priority protection of genetic resources in native pig breeds in China

A variety of native pig breeds have been developed over the long history of their domestication by human and in a complex geographical climate. Rational use and maximum protection of local genetics resources are the major concern to maintain global biodiversity. Scientific protection measures can effectively prevent the extinction of biological resources. Three genetic resource assessment models were established by analyzing the mtDNA hypervariable regions of 70 native pig breeds in China. The genetics resources of native pig breeds in China from different perspectives, such as genetic diversity, genetic contribution rate and erosion degree, were analyzed. The results show that most native pig breeds in China have low genetic diversity, especially for those distributed in Sichuan and Shandong Provinces. Tibetan pigs contribute more to the haplotype richness of native pigs and have a greater impact on the genetic resources of native pig breeds. The Meishan pig of Jiangsu Province (JSMS) are slight eroded by European pigs. The assessment models of genetic diversity, genetic contribution rate and erosion degree were established to evaluate the genetic resources of native pig breeds from different perspectives, which provide new insights for the scientific protection of native breeds.