Researchers from the Animal Breeding and Genomics Group at Wageningen University and Topigs Norsvin recently sequenced the full genome of 70 TOPIGS pigs. This has led to the identification of more than 10 million new SNPs.
The information from this sequencing increases the range of possibilities Topigs Norsvin has to improve and speed up genetic progress within its lines. Having more precise information about the effect of genes and where they are located improves the accuracy of breeding and also makes it possible to breed for new traits.
An international consortium of researchers and sponsors from the breeding industry, including Topigs Norsvin, recently published the complete pig genome sequence in the scientific journal Nature. This information provides not only the basis for the genomic selection tools but also for analyses of the Topigs Norsvin pigs’ sequences.
These data also provide new insights into areas of the genome that were preferably maintained during pig domestication and breeding. Researchers can even distinguish between older and more recent selection pressure. This research should finally lead to breeding with animals selected using genomic tools.
Innovations in the field of genomic selection are already increasing the genomic progress of Topigs Norsvin lines today. It is expected that the full effect of this will become noticeable over the next few years creating more genetic progress for our clients.
