On some possibilities and prospects of gene conservation and utilisation of pig breeds

Abstract. Nowadays, there are 47 rare pig breeds in the world the majority of which in Europe. Disappeared breeds are considered to be 139 breeds (mostly in Europe). The prevention of further losses of needs needs special measurements and methods for maintenance and conservation of genetic values. In spite of a lot of means being available, the conservation programs use the possibilities only moderately. Besides the commonly used testing results, special genetic analysis should be practised and extended widely, including blood groups, enzyme and other protein polymorphisms and the new results of genom analysis (marker genes atc). A proper – and well identified - genetic make up is of minimal precondition for preparing effective mating plans to avoid and reduce Inbreeding rate in closed populations. Besides number of traits and markers, more emphasis should be given to the distribution of the genetic markers on each chromosomes detected. If a chromosome were controlled (detected by at least 5 loci, thre would be round 200 parameters necessary as a minimum for a porper control fo the genomic background of a breed. Whilst it is very diffucult to prevent gene losses in small populations (small effective population size) for long term, reconstruction of them should be comined with cryopreservational and up-to-date DNA-screening.