Molecular Genetic Evaluation of Korean Native Pig Populations Based on Microsatellite Markers

The study was conducted to select and optimize microsatellite (MS) markers for evaluation of Korean native pig (KNP) populations in order to provide standard for the classification and breed definition of the indigenous breeds. The study also aimed to characterize and classify each KNP populations. A total of 648 pigs from 17 pig populations including six KNP, four Chinese native pig and four commercial pig populations were analyzed with 26 MS markers. KNP populations formed separate cluster from those of Chinese native pig and introduced pig populations. Expected heterozygosity (He) of KNP populations were 0.48~0.55 except two populations with 0.65. Genetic distances between KNP populations were relatively shorter: 0.12-0.34. Among six KNP populations, three showed high genetic uniformity, two showed lower uniformity and one showed high level of impurity and heterozygosity. The results can be used to evaluate and manage animal genetic resources at national scale.