Genetic diversity dwindling in swine populations. (The pig pen).

From: Countryside & Small Stock Journal | Date: January 1, 2003| Author: Bixby, Donald E. | Copyright information

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) conducted the first comprehensive' livestock breeds census in 1985 as a tool for understanding the scope of needed genetic conservation. While there is continuous monitoring of breed populations, a comprehensive survey is repeated about every five years.

The rapid consolidation of the swine industry is perhaps the greatest threat to genetic diversity. Industrial strains are usually not characterized as breeds, but are sele...

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