A review of numbers, reproductive performance and genetic variability of six local breeds

The data extracted from the LIGERAL database has allowed a 10-year review of numbers, reproductive performance and genetic variability of six local French certified pig breeds. Concerning trends in numbers, the Gascon and Basque breeds have both developed strongly, while the Bayeux, Limousin and West French White breeds have declined slightly. Numbers of the recently certified Nustrale breed lie in between. Trends in reproductive performance differ among races, suggesting scope for improvements in farm management. Lastly, analysis of genetic variability reveals a relatively slow increase in in-breeding for all the breeds except the Bayeux. Despite the relatively small number of primary ancestors, probability analysis of gene origins shows that the genetic resources have been correctly managed since the start of the conservation programme.