The findings of a major new genomic study pave the way for action to save one of the Westcountry’s rarest livestock breeds that is far more bespoke and scientifically informed than ever before, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).
The research, a first-of-its-kind for any British pig breed, has identified unique genetic markers for the Lop breed for the first time.
It has also identified while there is genetic diversity within the breed, there is also a high level of genomic inbreeding and a decrease in the Lop’s effective breeding population size to a concerning level of 40-45.
Originating in the Westcountry, the Lop is one of the rarest native breeds of pig in the UK. A white pig with distinctive lop ears that touch the end of its nose, it produces high quality pork and bacon that is highly prized by butchers and chefs.
Christopher Price, chief executive of the RBST, which commissioned the study in conjunction with the British Lop Pig Society, said the findings reinforce the need for “robust measures” both to tackle in-breeding and also to prevent any further decrease in breeding population.
“The Lop pig is in a perilous position and is categorised as a Priority Breed on the RBST Watchlist due to its low numbers and concerns about genetic diversity. This first ever identification of the genetic markers of the Lop breed not only provides the basis for best animal selection for breeding programmes and for storing genetic material, but it also enables us to form tailored programmes to increase genetic diversity within the breed.
“This is a really important study for the work to ensure our other rare native breeds survive too, it is the first of its kind for any pig breed native to the UK, and we hope it will set a template for how other rare breeds could access similar genetic data.”
Hair samples were collected from 190 individual pigs raised in 40 farms, constituting a valid cross section of the current breeding population. The hair samples were used by experts at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) to derive genome-wide genotypes for each pig.
Giles Eustice, who keeps British Lop pigs at Trevaskis Farm near Hayle in Cornwall, described the new genomic data as a “fantastic boost” for the breed, which suffered a decline in numbers after the war. “We owe the continued strength of today’s breed to a handful of stalwart breeders, who worked hard to keep strength and diversity through these lean years,” added Mr Eustice, who is also the current chairman of the British Lop Pig Society.
“The new genomic data is a fantastic boost for the breed as it proves we still have the diversity required to bounce back even stronger, although it is fair to say things are on the edge! We have a committed following of old and new breeders and I am confident with the new tools we have been given we can achieve the diversity goal required.
“I am interested in using the sequencing to explore some of the ‘Celtic’ white pigs in existence with much similarity to the British Lop; they could hold a diversity key that may be needed.”
The genomic study is part of a five-year project which began in 2019 as a partnership between RBST and the British Lop Pig Society, with major funding from the Gerald Fallowes Discretionary Trust.
Along with the genome study, the project is collecting embryos and semen to support the strength of the breed now and to bank genetic material in preparation for a future crisis for the breed.
Professor Georgios Banos, from Scotland’s Rural College, said: “We used modern technologies and data to derive information that may be used as a practical breed purity test and also inform breeding strategies aiming to safeguard the integrity of the breed. It was a great collaboration with the British Lop Pig Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.”
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is the sole charity dedicated to promoting and preserving the UK's rare and native breeds of farm livestock. Started in 1973, RBST monitors numbers of animals, and threats of inbreeding and geographical concentration. It promotes the breeding and registration of rare and native breeds. Through its 4,500 members, staff and support groups it provides a network of knowledge to support and encourage breeders to reduce these threats. See the website www.rbst.org.uk for further details.
