Genetic structure, relationship and diversity were analyzed in Croatian autochthonous breeds, Turopolje pig (CATP, 48 samples) and Black Slavonian pig (CABS, 28 samples), using 14 microsatellite loci. As traditionally those breeds are kept in the outdoor system, we also analyzed potential admixture with local wild pigs, Lonjsko polje National Park area (WBLP, 20 samples) and Djakovo area (WBDJ, 20 samples), as well as a wild pig population from Island Cres (WBCI, 20 samples) representing an out-group. A posterior Bayesian approach implemented in the program STRUCTURE indicating existence of two autochthonous (CATP & CABS) and two wild pig populations [WBNP (WBLP & WBDJ) & WBCI] with low level of admixture between domestic and wild populations. The lowest differentiation was estimated between WBNP and CABS (FST=0.154) as well as between WBNP and WBCI (FST=0.159). In contrast, CATP was rather differentiated from CABS (FST=0.240), from WBNP (FST=0.292) and from WBCI (FST=0.429). High allele richness [total number of alleles (AT)] and diversity [expected heterozygosity (He)] was observed in WBNP [AT=7.1, He=0.67] and CABS [AT=6.4, He=0.72] populations while much lower values were observed in CATP [AT=5.6, He=0.49] and WBCI [AT=3.5, He=0.49]. In conclusion, the results obtained indicated urgent need for the effective conservation program for CATP population.

Agriculture