Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Genetic Diversity Welfare

Maintaining genetic diversity in commercial pig populations supports long-term welfare resilience and reduces disease vulnerability.

Key Facts

Commercial pig production is dominated by few breed lines
Inbreeding depression increases disease susceptibility
Rare and heritage breeds often have better welfare profiles
Cryopreservation provides a backstop for genetic diversity
Crossbreeding commercial and heritage breeds can introduce welfare traits

Welfare Considerations

Genetic uniformity creates systemic vulnerability to disease outbreaks. Maintaining genetic diversity through crossbreeding, heritage breed conservation, and cryopreservation protects both current production and future welfare improvement potential.

What You Can Do

Support rare pig breed conservation programmes
Advocate for genetic diversity requirements in commercial pig breeding
Choose pork from farms using diverse genetic lines