The future may be brighter for a rare pig breed native to the west country, thanks to a groundbreaking study.

A genomic study of the Lop pig breed has identified unique genetic markers that can help select the best animals for breeding programmes to help ensure the breed's survival.

The study has also identified that, while there is genetic diversity within the breed, there is also a high level of genomic inbreeding and a decrease in the Lop’s effective breeding population size to a concerning level of 40 - 45.

This finding reinforces the need for robust measures both to tackle in-breeding and also to prevent any further decrease in breeding population.

Originating in the west country, the Lop is one of the rarest native breeds of pig in the UK.

A white pig with distinctive lop ears that touch the end of its nose, it produces high quality pork and bacon that is highly prized by butchers and chefs.

Giles Eustice farms with British Lop pigs at Trevaskis Farm in Cornwall, and is chairman of the British Lop Pig Society.

He said: "The British Lop breed suffered a decline in numbers, as did most of our native breeds after the war.

"We owe the continued strength of today’s breed to a handful of stalwart breeders, who worked hard to keep strength and diversity through these lean years.

"The new genomic data is a fantastic boost for the breed as it proves we still have the diversity required to bounce back even stronger, although it is fair to say things are on the edge!

"We have a committed following of old and new breeders and I am confident with the new tools we have been given we can achieve the diversity goal required.

"I am interested in using the sequencing to explore some of the ‘Celtic’ white pigs in existence with much similarity to the British Lop; they could hold a diversity key that may be needed.’’

The genome study, a first-of-its-kind for any UK pig breed, was commissioned by Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and the British Lop Pig Society.

Hair samples were collected from 190 individual pigs raised in 40 farms, constituting a valid cross section of the current breeding population. The hair samples were used by experts at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) to derive genome-wide genotypes for each pig.

RBST chief executive Christopher Price said: “The Lop pig is in a perilous position and is categorised as a Priority Breed on the RBST Watchlist due to its low numbers and concerns about genetic diversity.

"This first ever identification of the genetic markers of the Lop breed not only provides the basis for best animal selection for breeding programmes and for storing genetic material, but it also enables us to form tailored programmes to increase genetic diversity within the breed.

"This is a really important study for the work to ensure our other rare native breeds survive too, it is the first of its kind for any pig breed native to the UK, and we hope it will set a template for how other rare breeds could access similar genetic data.”