A BREAKTHROUGH genomic study could pave the way for action to save one of the rarest native pig breeds in the UK.

The study, commissioned by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, has identified unique genetic markers for the Lop pig breed for the first time, which should help guide conservation efforts to boost numbers.

Originating in the West Country, the Lop is a white pig with distinctive lop ears that touch the end of its nose. The breed produces high quality pork and bacon that is highly prized by butchers and chefs.

During the study, 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 to derive genome-wide genotypes for each pig.

They found that although 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. RBST are calling for robust measures to tackle in-breeding and 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," said RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price. "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," he continued. "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.”

Giles Eustice farms with British Lop pigs at Trevaskis Farm in Cornwall, and is Chairman of the British Lop Pig Society. He said: "The British Lop breed suffered a decline in numbers, as did most of our native breeds 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. 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.’’

Professor Georgios Banos at SRUC concluded:“This work demonstrates the genetic uniqueness of the British Lop pig. 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.”