Genetic and farming features of the Kakhetian pig gene pool and epizootic characteristics of helminthiases of this breed

Abstract

The work reflects the genetic and economic potential of Georgian aboriginal Kakhetian pig. Based on the genetic systems of erythrocytical antigens, blood serum proteins, a number and morphology of chromosomes, the parameters of the skull structure (craniology) and the phenotypic features, it can be strongly suggested that the Kakhetian pig descended from the Caucasian population of European wild boar- Sus chrofa attila - through selective breeding in a process of the direct domestication. The results of our research including an amazing phenotypic similarity of the Kakhetian pig with its wild ancestor highly support the above suggestion. The Kakhetian pig farm was established with the purpose to reproduce this breed and provide both small family household farms and relatively large farms of the villages adjacent to fruitful forests located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus ridge, with piglets of the above breed. The first results of the Kakhetian pig breed recovery activities are presented in our research. In 2015-2017, the first slaughtering of Kakhetian pigs was carried out, which was followed by the drying of raw meat. The products of Georgian Hamon are already available on some Georgian markets. The conducted research has revealed four most prevalent pig helminthoses in Georgia. The study has shown that the Kakhetian pigs were less infected by helminthes when compared to the hybrid pigs, which can be suggestive of their relatively high resistance potential to these intestinal parasites.