Valorization of feral pigs in the tropics, from the genetic characterization to the re-domestication

Feral pigs may serve as a valuable genetic resource for the future, offering potential interesting gene pool for adaptation to climate change and the preservation of biodiversity. The main objective of this study was to identify the genetic structure of feral pigs from the Caribbean island of Martinique, measure the inbreeding rate of a Creole population re-domesticated in 2016 from captured feral pigs, and evaluate its evolution to the present day. We hypothesized that feral pigs, like Creole breeds of the Americas, have been shaped by a unique cross-breeding process linked to the historical context of the Caribbean. A total of 121 animals were genotyped and 76 were compared with referenced mainstream genotypes and Creole breeds from the Americas. Re-domestication efforts were carried out through a holistic approach, involving researchers, farmers, consultants, and development actors. The results showed that feral and semi-feral pigs in Martinique belong to the creole pig breeds, with more than 20% Iberian genetic admixture. The majority of domesticated pigs groups studied including re-domesticated creole pigs exhibit a significantly lower proportion of runs of homozygosity compared to feral pigs, suggesting a better control of inbreeding, thanks to structured breeding programs. The chosen conservation strategy was the result of a consensus between scientific evidence, practical experience, and field feasibility. A rotational mating system using sire lines among a minimum of five farmers was adopted. This approach is expected to generate, within five years, a pedigree containing information on a total of at least 150 reproducers on 8 generations.