Genetic diversity in pig populations is a welfare concern because reduced diversity increases susceptibility to disease and reduces adaptability to changing environments and welfare challenges.
Genetic diversity underpins the long-term welfare resilience of pig populations. Narrow commercial breeding programmes create populations vulnerable to novel pathogens and changing environmental conditions. Heritage and rare breeds maintain genes for disease resistance, environmental adaptation and behavioural traits that may prove essential as welfare challenges evolve. Supporting genetic diversity is a form of welfare insurance for the future.