Moreover, this analysis gave insights for strategies to the genetic characterization of local breeds.

Also, in recent times, many local breeds have suffered severe reductions in effective population size.

This is particularly true in Asia, where there is high consumer preference for local breeds.

Conclusions: We successfully developed a 55K genotyping array by using SNPs segregated from typical local breeds and commercial lines.

Genetic variation in livestock species is threatened by the progressive marginalisation of local breeds in benefit of high-output pigs worldwide.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and relationship of local breeds is an important factor towards the identification of unique and valuable genetic resources.

Experiments have been made in crossing the best local breeds, principally the Caracù, with good foreign breeds, such as the Jersey, Durham and Dutch stocks.

Local breeds can thrive and produce eggs with minimal care and irregular feeding, he said.