Population structure of Vietnamese pigs using mitochondrial DNA

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Animal Science
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Vietnam harbors numerous native pig breeds with unclear origins.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region is crucial for tracing maternal lineages in domestic animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the maternal lineages and genetic origins of native Vietnamese pigs.
• To analyze the diversity and distribution of mtDNA haplotypes in Vietnamese native pig populations.

Main Methods:

• Sequencing of the mtDNA D-loop region from 260 native pig samples across 20 Vietnamese provinces.
• Phylogenetic tree construction using obtained D-loop sequences to identify haplotypes and their origins.
• Analysis of 713 bp sequences of the D-loop region, excluding repeat regions.

Main Results:

• Fifty distinct haplotypes were identified, including 27 novel ones, from Vietnamese native pigs.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed two primary haplotype groups: MTSEA (found in Cambodia and Laos) and D2 (originating from Chinese pigs).
• No European haplotypes were detected; northeastern Vietnam exclusively showed D2 haplotypes, while other regions exhibited both D2 and MTSEA groups.

Conclusions:

• Vietnamese native pigs possess a mixed maternal lineage heritage, with contributions from both Southeast Asian (MTSEA) and Chinese (D2) pig populations.
• The genetic makeup varies geographically within Vietnam, indicating complex population dynamics and historical introductions.
• The study clarifies the origins of native Vietnamese pigs, highlighting their distinct genetic profile without European ancestry.