Pig genome mapping in cooperation with China

An extensive research project conducted in cooperation between China and The Øresund Region is well on its way. This is the first time that researchers try to map the genome of a domestic animal. The project of more than $11.8 million will provide new and valuable knowledge to the benefit of pig breeding and eventually to medical research. 

The Øresund participants are the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University and The National Committee for Pig Production with the Danish Bacon and Meat Council. The Chinese participants are Beijing Genomics Institute and The Chinese Academy of Science.

”The Chinese institute is an ideal partner, because it possesses both great expertise and a large capacity within DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Our expertise is especially within breeding and genetics – which means that we can analyse data and relate variations in the genetic code to functions of the animal”, says Christian Bendixen, head of the project.

The researchers hope to map 95 percent of pig genes within a couple of years. The tissue they work with originates primarily from Danish pigs, and a small part originates from Chinese pigs. The researchers work with 100 different tissue samples from various organs in order to achieve the highest diversity possible.
”It is most likely that the pig genome consists of about 40,000 different genes. In a large part of these genes small differences between the animals are found – differences, which are not necessarily apparent in the animal”, explains Christian Bendixen, and describes the many variations as a pure gold mine of knowledge.

A significant part of the project is handling of huge amounts of data, and consequently one of the large investments has been a supercomputer at The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences. This supercomputer works with the speed of 300 regular computers.

The most important purpose of the project is to map out the genes, which are the basis of the various functions and abilities of the animal.

”There is no purpose in mapping out a long row of bases, if we do not know their functions, since the mapping is intended for use in a more efficient identification of the pig species, which the producers should breed. By the help of DNA analyses, the possibilities of making selections in favour of desired abilities and against undesired abilities will increase – regardless of whether this is in relation to meat quality or illness”, says Christian Bendixen.

The use of Øresund pigs gives Øresund producers a huge advantage. Knowledge about pig genes can be coordinated more efficiently with production data held by The National Committee for Pig Production and The Danish Bacon and Meat Council. Consequently, Christian Bendixen is convinced that Danish producers will soon be able to use new DNA tests in breeding. The most important goals to be achieved through DNA tests are resistance to illness, higher meat quality and behaviour – abilities that are very difficult to achieve through traditional breeding.

For further information:
The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences – www.agrsci.dk/index_uk.shtml

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