DOI: 10.1051/gse:2001125

Genet. Sel. Evol. 33 (2001) 417-432

Genetic variation in two conserved local Romanian pig breeds using type 1 DNA markers

Daniel C. Ciobanu^{a, b}, Andrew E. Day^c, Alexandru Nagy^d, Richard Wales^c, Max F. Rothschild^b and Graham S. Plastow<sup>c

a</sup>  Animal Genetics Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3400 Cluj Napoca, Romania
^b  Department of Animal Science, 2255 Kildee Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
^c  PIC International Group, Fyfield Wick, OX13 5NA, UK
^d  Agricultural Research Station of Turda, Romania

(Received 7 August 2000; accepted 20 February 2001)

Abstract
Analysis of the genetic variation of an endangered population is an important component for the success of conservation. Animals from two local Romanian pig breeds, the Mangalitsa and Bazna, were analysed for variation at a number of genetic loci using PCR-based DNA tests. Polymorphism was assessed at loci which 1) are known to cause phenotypic variation, 2) are potentially involved in trait differences or 3) are putative candidate genes. The traits considered are disease resistance, growth, coat colour, meat quality and prolificacy. Even though the populations are small and the markers are limited to specific genes, we found significant differences in five of the ten characterised loci. In some cases the observed allele frequencies were interesting in relation to gene function and the phenotype of the breed. These breeds are part of a conservation programme in Romania and marker information may be useful in preserving a representative gene pool in the populations. The use of polymorphisms in type 1 (gene) markers may be a useful complement to analysis based on anonymous markers.

Key words: pig / genetic diversity / local breeds

Correspondence and reprints: Daniel C. Ciobanu
    e-mail: dciobanu@iastate.edu

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2001