Phenotypic characterization of pig genetic resources in the departments of Oueme and Plateau in Benin

Abstract

Pig farming is very common in Southern Benin and involves a diversity of breeds or populations. The aim of the study was to characterize the different pigs morphometrically and phenotypically. Thus, phenotypic data were collected from 149 pigs including 14 improved, 91 crossbred and 44 local pigs. Local pigs showed significantly lower morphological measurements (p < 0.05) than improved pigs and than pigs from crosses between improved and local pigs. Bristles of local pigs were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than those of improved and crossbred pigs. The coat color varied from one genetic type to another. The most common color was uniform white, followed by uniform black in all genetic types. The head profile was straighter in local pigs, and more curved in improved and crossed pigs. Erect ears were less observed among crossbred pigs. Ears were front-facing in improved and crossbred pigs, whereas they were erect and rear-facing in local pigs. The presence of a corkscrew tail was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in improved pigs than in crossbred pigs, and it was higher in the latter one than in local pigs. A straight dorsal line was more often observed in local and crossbred pigs than in improved pigs where the line was more hollow. The crossbred pigs were very similar to the improved pigs.