Population Structure and Genomic Characterisation of the Ashanti Dwarf Pig of Ghana
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Animals
Abstract
There is still limited information on the genomic structure and genetic diversity of African
pigs. Genetic diversity studies can contribute significantly to the genetic improvement and conser vation of African pigs. This study presents a genetic diversity analysis and population structure
of pig breeds in Ghana, with a focus on the Ashanti Dwarf pig (ADP), an indigenous pig breed of
Ghana. A total of 167 pigs sampled in Ghana and populations consisting of Ashanti Dwarf pigs
(n = 106), exotics (mostly European pigs) (n = 11), crosses (between indigenous and exotic breeds)
(n = 44), and unknown breeds (nondescript) (n = 6) were genotyped using Porcine SNP60K BeadChip.
Moderate heterozygosity levels, ranging from 0.28 for Ashanti Dwarf pigs to 0.31 for exotic pigs
(mostly European pigs), were observed. Principal component analysis of the pig populations within
Ghana resulted in two distinct clusters of pigs: (i) Northern and (ii) Southern regional clusters. The
PCA based on breed also resulted in four clusters: (i) ADPs; (ii) exotics (iii) crossbreeds between ADP
and exotics; (iv) unknown breed types. The PCA demonstrated that the clustering was influenced by
genetics, geographical location, production systems, and practices. ADMIXTURE-based analysis also
showed that the populations within Ghana are admixed. FST analysis revealed SNPs associated with
QTLs for traits such as disease resilience and growth among ADP populations within the different
regional and ecological zones of Ghana.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
animal genetic resource, African pigs, genetic diversity
Citation
Aryee, S.N.D.; Owusu-Adjei, D.; Osei-Amponsah, R.; Skinner, B.M.; Amuzu-Aweh, E.N.; Ahunu, B.; Enright, A.; Sargent, C.A. Population Structure and Genomic Characterisation of the Ashanti Dwarf Pig of Ghana. Animals 2024, 14, 792. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani1405079