Genetic diversity and population structure of black Dahe pig based on DNA sequences analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Abstract

To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of black Dahe pigs, we collected 175 samples from 5 local populations and sequenced them using a combination of two selected molecular markers for mitochondrial cytochrome b and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) DRB. Overall, the results of AMOVA and phylogenetic tree and gene flow analyses detected high levels of gene flow among the five populations, particularly individual pigs from Dahe town (Pop1) or Yingshang town (Pop2) to other populations (Pop3, Pop4, and Pop5). The genetic diversity analyses showed that the diversity indices of the five populations did not vary significantly, but they were much lower than those of other Chinese pig species. These results suggest that distinct gene flow, unstable population pattern, and lower genetic diversity have been influenced mainly by human introductions for economic ends. These findings provide genetic information that could be used for the preservation and further genetic improvement of the black Dahe pig, as well as an important reference for the evaluation, conservation, and utilization of the genetic resources of this breed.

• Black Dahe pig
• cytochrome b gene
• genetic polymorphism
• Major Histocompatibility Complex
• population genetics

Declaration of interest

Submission of this article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out. No conflict of interest exists. If accepted, the article will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, including electronically without the written consent of the copyright-holder. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31260087 to L-Z Tang), the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Science (KSCX2-EW-J-26), the Promoting Innovation Ability Program on Science & Technology in Qinghai province of China (2013-Z-750), and the Applied Fundamental Research Project of Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department (2010ZC149 to L-Z Tang).