Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Genetic Diversity and Welfare

The relationship between genetic diversity in pig populations and welfare outcomes through disease resistance.

Key Facts

Modern commercial pig genetics are highly selected, reducing genetic diversity
Low genetic diversity increases susceptibility to novel disease outbreaks
Rare breed genetics contain resistance traits valuable for welfare and biosecurity
Conservation of native and rare pig breeds supports genetic resource diversity
Gene banks and live conservation herds preserve diversity for future welfare applications

Welfare Considerations

Maintaining genetic diversity in pig populations provides insurance against welfare emergencies from novel disease outbreaks, making breed conservation a long-term welfare investment.

What You Can Do

Support Rare Breeds Survival Trust conservation of rare pig breeds
Advocate for genetic diversity requirements in national breeding programmes
Purchase products from rare breed pig producers to support conservation