Here is described the programme of genetic conservation of the Mexican Hair-less pig under development in the Yukatan State (Mexico). It consists of several actions on the characterization of the population and its management system, the in situ and ex situ conservation, and the coordination. The results obtained by the moment are summarized.Aquí se describe el programa de conservación genética del cerdo Pelón Mexicano en desarrollo en el Estado de Yukatan (México). Consiste en varias acciones sobre la caracterización de la población y de sus sistemas de explotación, la conservación in situ y ex situ y la coordinación. Se resumen los resultados obtenidos hasta el momento

Canul Solís, M.

Cen Aguilar, F.

Delgado-Bermejo, J.V.

Martínez Martínez, Amparo

Rodríguez Canul, R.

Sierra Vázquez, A.

Archivos de Zootecnia

Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Córdoba

Arch. Zootec. 52: 279-284. 2003.THE MEXICAN HAIR-LESS PIG:  PROGRAMME OF GENETICCONSERVATION OF AN ENDANGERED BREED EL CERDO PELÓN MEXICANO: PROGRAMA DE CONSERVACIÓN GENÉTICA DE UNARAZA EN PELIGROSierra Vásquez, A.1, M. Canul Solís1, F. Cen Aguilar2, R. Rodríguez Canul3,J.V. Delgado Bermejo4 and A. Martínez Martínez41Unidad de Posgrado Instituto Tecnológico Agropecuario No. 2 Km 16.3 Carretera Mérida-Motul. Tel 99991/2-41-30, Fax  99991 /2-41-35. Conkal Yucatán. México. E-mail: sivaac@avantel.net2Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Agropecuario No. 13. Xmatkuil, Yuc. Méx.3Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del IPN. Unidad Mérida. Yuc. México.4Unidad de Genética. Universidad de Córdoba. Campus de Rabanales. 14071 Córdoba. España.POSTERADDITIONAL KEYWORDSGenetic conservation. Racial regression. Localbreed.PALABRAS CLAVE ADICIONALESConservación genética. Regresion racial. Razalocal.SUMMARYHere is described the programme of geneticconservation of the Mexican Hair-less pig underdevelopment in the Yukatan State (Mexico). Itconsists of several actions on the characterizationof the population and its management system, thein situ and ex situ conservation, and thecoordination. The results obtained by the momentare summarized.RESUMENAquí se describe el programa de conserva-ción genética del cerdo Pelón Mexicano en desa-rrollo en el Estado de Yukatan (México). Consisteen varias acciones sobre la caracterización dela población y de sus sistemas de explotación, laconservación in situ y ex situ y la coordinación.Se resumen los resultados obtenidos hasta elmomento.INTRODUCTIONAround 35  percent of the zoogeneticresources from the world are endan-gered, specially local species that areraised in the traditional way in ruralareas (FAO, 2000). The major risk forthe diversity of these local zoogeneticresources is the importation of selectedbreeds in order to accelerate geneticimprovement in developing countries.The fauna in Mexico is very diverse,however, this diversity can be lost inthe absence of an appropriate syste-matic programme able to define thediversity of the resources. The hair-less pig (figure 1) represents a semi-domesticated  population located inboth the Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico) andthe Pacific coasts. In southern Mexico(Yucatan state) it can be found inArchivos de zootecnia vol. 52, núm. 198, p. 280.SIERRA VÁSQUEZ ET AL.remote communities. Although, in thelast three decades it has been replacedin the traditional breeding system andits records have diminished astonishin-gly. This has been due to the constantintroduction of selected breeds in pigfarms. This strategy has led to thehair-less pig becoming an endangeredspecies in Mexico (Anderson et al.,1999; Sierra, 2000). The purpose ofthis programme is to develop strategiesof rescue and to guarantee the geneticconservation of this endangered species.MATERIAL AND METHODSThe programme of genetic conser-vation of this endangered breed iscomposed of seven strategies that areinterrelated.1A. POPULATION STUDIESThe compilation of data, throughquestionnaires, from direct visits to thelocal producers: After the census,another kind of questionnaire andphotos are based on characteristics ofthe animals. The information is capturedin a data base (Microsoft-Excel).Statistical analyses are performed usingthe Statistic programme for Windows(version 5.1).2A. CHARACTERISATION OF THE POPULATIONComposed of three types, 2.1.Morphology. It is performed for pigsthat are enclosed in the racial standardproposed by López et al. (1999). Allinformation is first collected individuallyin the field and then captured in Excel.Statistical analysis is performed in theStatistic Analysis programme (version6.1) (Sas, 1996) and Statistic forWindows (version 5.1). 2.2.  Zootech-nic: consists of the capture of produc-tive and reproductive parametersregistered in pioneer hair-less pigs ofthe genetic conservation centre of thehair-less pig. Through a registrationmodel designed for this purpose.Statistical analyses were performedusing descriptive statistic (Sas, 1996).2.3. Genetics. Blood and hair samplesare collected by venous puncture ofthe jugular and complete extraction ofthe bulb respectively. The DNAextraction and its analysis withmolecular markers (micro satellites)through PCR (Polymerase ChainReaction) is currently being performedin the Laboratory of Molecular Geneticof the University of Cordoba (Spain).Twenty-six micro-satellites recom-mended by the FAO/ISAG will be usedfor the studies of genetic diversity(FAO, 1998). The methodology is thatproposed by Martínez (2001), previouslyfor the Iberian pig. The allelicfrequencies and the index or hetero-geneity will be performed using thepackages TFPGA v. 1.3 (Miller, 1997)and  Microsat v. 1.5b (Minch, 1998)for Apple Macintosh.Figure 1. Hair-less pigs tipic of Yucatan.(Cerdo pelón típico de Yucatán).Archivos de zootecnia vol. 52, núm. 198, p. 281.MEXICAN HAIR-LESS PIG3A. GENETIC CONSERVATION IN SITUConsists of the creation of threenuclei of conservation of live animals,each nucleus will be composed of 25pigs of reproductive age: 20 sows and5 boars, animals should come fromdifferent exploitations  and from pigsselected based on their major phe-notypic diversity. All cross-breedingwill be controlled and non-controlledregistering all the productive andreproductive events with the purposeof conserving the maximum  geneticvariability avoiding the minimumincrease of consanguinity by generation.Non-suckling pigs (45 days) will besent to the rescue centre, In theseareas, all animals will grow to thepuberty and at this point the programmewill decide if they are discarded orselected for future reproductionprogrammes. Animals will be exchan-ged with all producers from theconservation programme.4A. INTEGRATION OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARYAND INTERDISCIPLINARY NETWORKThis network will have internationaland national recognising with themission to reinforce all the activitiesfocused in the genetic conservation ofhair-less pigs in Yucatan.5A. LEGAL CONSTITUTION OF AN ASSO-CIATION FOR FARMERS OF HAIR-LESS PIGSConsists of the identification andorganisation of local farmers for thehair-less pig and to support the legalregistration.6A. INDUSTRIALISATION OF PORK PRODUCTSFROM THE HAIR-LESS PIGPigs that are not selected accordingto their genealogic antecedents,phenotypic and productive charac-teristics, will be used for industrialisationand their sub-products will be used asecological products. This strategy willhelp support the maintenance andoperation of the programme ofconservation.7A. GENETIC CONSERVATION  (EX SITU)Finally, all pigs previously detectedas positive from the previous stages ofthe programme (maximum geneticvariability), will be used to collect se-men and embryos. This strategy willallow the creation of a national geneticbank with the guarantee to providesufficient genetic diversity for thisresource for future approaches.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONFIRST. STRATEGYThe total population of the hair-lesspig is still under study, however, theprogramme has detected at least 500pure pigs (sows and boars at reproduc-tive age). These findings confirm thatthis breed is endangered. They arelocated mainly in Maxcanu, Tekax,Valladolid, Mérida and Tizimin. Thenorthern area of the Yucatan state andthe coast did not reveal the presence ofthe hair-less pig. On the other hand,local people tend to exploit the resourcewithout any management strategy andlack of commercialisation due to itslow economic importance.The programme has detected thatin 70 percent of the cases local familiesraise free-range pigs with domesticwaste as a way of saving. In this sense,the genetic conservation of the hair-less pig programme could be successfulArchivos de zootecnia vol. 52, núm. 198, p. 282.SIERRA VÁSQUEZ ET AL.in the area and elsewhere if all theprocedures are followed according tothe guidelines of the network.2ND. STRATEGYWith respect to the morphologiccharacterisation, 25 morphological va-riables: 18 quantitative and 7 qualitativein 140 hair-less pig have been analysed.The productive and reproductiveparameters are shown in table I. Theywere evaluated in sows of the hair-lesspig raised in a conservationist nuclei.The global fertility observed was higherthan in those reported for selectedbreeds. In the same way, the intervalbetween parturition sand open daysare adequate taking into account themanagement followed in a nucleus.The size and weight of the offspringfrom their birth to weaning (offsuckling) were lower than that reportedby Castro (1981) and the weight frombirth to weaning  (45 days) was alsolower than that reported by Cenobio(1993) for hair-less pigs, due to theirintensive management during theirraising. The mortality during theirsuckling period was higher and it couldbe due to two major causes, the firstcould be related to the poor infras-tructure destined for the raising of pigsand the second could be related to thepresence of the hurricane that devas-tated the Yucatan state in September,2002. In this sense, the lower results ofthe parameters can increase by usingbetter, more appropriate structures andbetter practices of management.Regarding the genetic characterisation,102 samples of DNA have been isolated,from 102 samples (33 from hair and 69from blood samples). Biodiversity isunder study with 26 micro-satellitesrecomended by FAO/ISAG.3RD. STRATEGYA nuclei of 25 hair-less pig (20sows and 5 boars) at reproductive ageand 60 offspring with ages rangingfrom 1 to 8 months, are evaluated aftersuckling (45 days) and puberty (6.5 to7 months) and will be selected as futurereplacements. Animals are exchangedin the communities selected from thegenetic conservation programme. Atthe moment, 5 boars are in the com-munities of Seye, Tizimín and Kocholto diminish the genetic erosion.  In thesame way, 6 soaws from the samecommunities have been introduced inthe centre to increase the geneticvariability.4TH. STRATEGYAt the moment the programme hasa work team of 10 persons belonging todifferent institutions, local, national andTable I. Reproductive and productiveparameters in the Mexican Hair-less pig.(Parámetros productivos y reproductivos en elcerdo Pelón Mexicano).Parámetro X ± D.E.(percent)Global fecundity 93.3Size of the litter 5.7Interval between parturitions (days) 174.5Open days 68.5weigh from the litter to the birth (kg) 4.74weigh to the birth (g) 794.5weigh to the 15 days (kg) 1.8weigh to the 30 days(kg) 2.7weigh to the 45 days (kg) 3.7weigh litter to the weaning (kg) 16.6Preweaning Mortality 27.3Archivos de zootecnia vol. 52, núm. 198, p. 283.MEXICAN HAIR-LESS PIGinternational, all of them with thecommon interest of rescuing the hair-less pig. The team has the recognitionof the Red Iberoamericana de Cienciay Tecnología para el Desarrollo(CYTED) and of the Consejo Nacio-nal de Recursos Genéticos Pecuariosen México (CONARGEN). Some ofthe results of the network have beenpresented in an international congressbased on conservation of local resour-ces held in Yucatan. In the same way,some courses and international projectshave been developed.5TH. STRATEGYThis strategy is on development andit has the participation of 8 farmers ofthe hair-less pig breed. The objective isto fulfil at least 10 official registrations.6TH. STRATEGYThe pig products have been indus-trialised: 13 pigs discarded from theprogramme were used to prepare aregional local dish known as roast porkCochinita Pibil. In the same way thepork products have been industrialisedas jam, bacon, sausage and chuletas inthe traditional way. This strategy ishaving great demand by locals as it iscommercialised as an ecological pro-duct. Some studies on the nutritionalfactors of carcasses and sensorial testson pork products are still on its way.7TH. STRATEGYThis strategy will be performed atthe end of the conservation programmewhen the programme has characterizedall hair-less pigs that provide themaximum genetic variability with theminimum increasing of consanguinity.These animals will provide the samplesof semen and ova for future conser-vative studies.REFERENCESAnderson, S., N. Ferráes y T. Rivera. 1999. Lapoblación del cerdo Criollo en Yucatán, Méxi-co: Estado e Impacto Genético. En: “Memo-rias del Seminario Internacional sobreAgrodiversidad Campesina”. UniversidadAutónoma del Estado de México. Toluca,Méx. Pp 257-266.Castro, G.E. 1981. Importancia que ejercen algu-nos factores ambientales y el efecto delsemental sobre el tamaño y peso de la cama-da al nacimiento y al destete en el cerdo PelónMexicano. Tesis de lic. Fac. de Med. Vet. YZoot. UNAM. México, D.F.Cenobio, S.L. 1993. Evaluación del comporta-miento reproductivo de un lote de cerdasPelón Mexicano en la etapa de lactancia enel altiplano. Tesis de Lic.. Fac. de Med. Vet.y Zoot. UNAM. México, D.F.FAO. 1998. Secondary guidelines for developmentof national farm animal genetic resourcesmanagement plants: Management of smallpopulation at risk, FAO, Rome.FAO. 2000. Peligra la diversidad genética de losanimales de granja. <http://www.fao.org/ag/esp/revista/0011sp2.htm.López, M.J.R., G.R. Martínez y R.G. Salinas.1999. El Cerdo Pelón Mexicano. Anteceden-tes y Perspectivas. Ciencia y CulturaLatinoaméricana, S.A. de C.V. México. pp 78.Martínez, M.A. 2001. Caracterización genéticadel cerdo Ibérico mediante marcadoresmoleculares. Tesis doctoral. Univ. de Córdo-ba, Esp. 174pp.Miller, M.P. 1997. Tools for population geneticArchivos de zootecnia vol. 52, núm. 198, p. 284.SIERRA VÁSQUEZ ET AL.analyses (TFPGA) v. 1.3:A windowsprogramme for  the analysi of allenzime andmolecular population genetic data. Computersoftware distributed by author.Minch, E. 1998. Microsat v. 1.5b (Macintosh).University of Standford.SAS. 1996. Sas User's Guide: statistics v 6.3Cary, North. Carolina, USA.Sierra, V.A.C. 2000. Conservación genética delcerdo Pelón en Yucatán y su integración a unsistema de producción sostenible: Primeraaproximación. Arch. Zootec., 49: 415-421.

El cerdo Pelón Mexicano: programa de conservación genética de una raza en peligro

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