The Genetics of the Pig

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to present in one location a complete, comprehensive and updated description of the modern genetics of the pig. It is our intention to combine essential knowledge from the various fields of genetics and biology of the pig, integrated with livestock management aspects, in order to provide an updated and informative reference book. The genetic improvements in the pig industry over the past couple of decades have been very impressive, with growth rates increasing, feed efficiency improving and a continued rise in overall leanness. These successes have in great part been due to the incredible progress in the understanding and application of genetics to pig production. As recently as 1990, only about 50 genes and markers were mapped or assigned to individual porcine chromosomes. Now the genome draft sequence has been obtained and the completion of very detailed genetic and genomic maps has been accomplished. Furthermore, genetic improvement within the pig industry that rests on the introduction of gene tests and on genomic selection based on thousands of genes is coming. This book is addressed to a diverse audience, including students, researchers, veterinarians and pig breeders.