Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of domestic pig breeds of northeast India based on Cytochrome b gene analysis

Northeast India contributes about 38.5% of the country's pork production. However, extensive crossbreeding between indigenous and exotic breeds in this region has caused decline in native pig populations. To conserve and restore the native pig breeds, characterising them at molecular level is a must. Therefore, current study determines genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of domestic pigs (Doom and Ghungroo pigs) of northeast India, using cytochrome b gene. Blood samples from 24 pigs were collected, followed by DNA extraction and gene was amplified using universal primers and sequenced. Sequence variation sites, genetic distance and phylogenetic analysis were performed at MEGA 11. A total of 18 polymorphic sites was found where 6 sites were common to Doom and Indian wild pig (15940, 16344, 16350, 16355, 16356 and 16357). Doom pig showed least genetic distance with wild boars while Ghungroo pig showed the farthest distance. Phylogenetic analysis depicted that Doom and Ghungroo, clustering in one clade with Indian wild pig, indicates of having common maternal ancestor. This study highlights the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of domesticated pigs of northeast, India. Identifying the pig-specific mitochondrial DNA sequences will help in distinguishing domestic pigs from wild boars as well as in forensic and vegeto-legal cases.