05/03/2015
Major Topic: Genetics and Cultural Significance of Pigs in PNG
Summary
Pigs are the most important livestock species in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from economic as well as cultural perspectives. Most of the estimated population of 2 million pigs are maintained by smallholder farmers. The genetic attributes, differentiation and production capacities of indigenous pigs are largely unknown. But the rich socio-cultural diversity of rural communities living in geographically isolated pristine environments, with long and strong attachments with indigenous pigs implies that indigenous pigs may have unique genetic diversity. From one of the recent study reports preliminary survey of indigenous pigs sampled from major pig farming areas of the country as part of a South Asia-wide regional indigenous pig genetic diversity study. It assesses farmers perceptions about the origin, population trend and utility value of indigenous pigs, as well as their characteristic preferences. Average herd sizes and external physical forms and appearances of pigs are described. About 20 percent of the sampled indigenous pigs were identified through history line checks to have an admixture genotype with some distant indigenous or foreign parentage. The importance of indigenous pig genetic resources in PNG requires a policy and legislative framework to support sustainable utilization. As a first step in informing such development, a comprehensive molecular genetic study is required to make clear the genetic attributes of this unique genetic resource here in PNG cultures and societies.
Please stay in-tune with me to know more as I will post the introduction part of my research..
(JPP’s motive: Grow Rich in Agricultural and Live Stock Knowledge)
