Genetic Diversity of Anhui Local Pig Breeds Based on Microsatellite DNA Markers

Purpose To evaluate genetic diversity of 8 local pig breeds in Anhui Province by using microsatellite DNA markers.

MethodThe fifteen microsatellite loci provided by FAO-ISAG organizations were genotyped using PCR and PAGE methods. The genetic diversity and genetic relationship among eight local pig breeds were estimated by effective number of alleles, expected heterozygosis, polymorphism information content, F-statistic, Nei’s genetic distance and other indexes.

Results272 alleles were observed at 15 loci. The mean of effective number of alleles per locus was 9.561 2. The effective number of alleles, expected heterozygosity and polymorphism information content of eight local pig breeds ranged from 2.445 1~3.786 6, 0.532 0~0.714 8, 0.369 8~0.890 6, respectively. Analysis of F-statistic and gene flow indicated there was a certain degree of inbreeding and gene flow among 8 local pig breeds in Anhui. Dendrogram analysis showed that 8 local pig breeds could be divided into 2 groups. One group is Wannan Spotted pig and another group was clustered into two branches, one is Anqing Liubai, Wei and Huoshou Black pigs, and another is Wanbei, Wannan Black, Zongyang Black and Dingyuan pigs.

ConclusionThe study indicated the genetic diversity was abundant in eight Anhui local pigs breeds. There was a certain degree of inbreeding and gene flow among different populations. The results could provide basic genetic information for conservation and utilization of Anhui local pig breeds.