Location: Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research
Project Number: 3012-31000-007-011-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 30, 2022
End Date: Sep 1, 2025
Objective:
The Duroc breed of swine has become the most prevalent sire breed in the U.S. swine industry and often when breeds become exceeding popular genetic diversity decreases. Therefore the objectives of this research will be to develop a comprehensive assessment of U.S. Duroc genetic diversity which can serve as a basis for understanding current and future changes in the breed's genetic diversity plus help guide germplasm collection strategies for this breed.
Approach:
The Cooperator will perform a series of analyses on Duroc pigs using previously generated SNP genotypes. These analyses will include: measures of diversity like homozgosity and heterozgosity, differentiation of Duroc from other pig breeds with ADMIXTURE, runs of homozygosity, signatures of selection, and inbreeding levels. The Duroc samples already within the NAGP collection will be used and potentially other samples already genotyped and part of public databases. Importantly, several samples from several key swine breeding companies will be used to determine how genetically different the subpopulations may be.
