BIO4TRACE Operational Group: Biotechnology for traceability and genetic selection in Spanish minority pig breeds

The project is designed with the main objective of carrying out high and ultra-density genotyping and phenotyping, in order to establish extreme traceability from the farm to the consumer's table, thus ensuring the added value of indigenous minority pig breeds in danger of extinction.

To achieve this, the company is betting on the implementation of artificial intelligence and digital certification through blockchain technology. The preservation of minority native pig breeds is essential to conserve genetic and cultural diversity, as well as guaranteeing the survival of these breeds in danger of extinction. Ultimately, it is about establishing extreme traceability, which not only adds high value to the products but also generates confidence in consumers by guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.

Furthermore, the focus on sustainable livestock farming is aligned with the need to protect the environment and promote responsible agricultural practices.

The first specific objective is to identify specific molecular markers for each of the minority breeds, thus allowing the differentiation of their products in the market and guaranteeing traceability from start to finish. The identification of these molecular markers is essential to accurately certify the origin of the products.

Objective 2 aims to determine the Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) related to meat quality, especially the fatty acid profile and the amount of infiltrated intramuscular fat (IMF). In addition, it aims to identify QTLs related to the ability to adapt to the environment, considering the particular conditions of each breed, such as forest environments or extremely hot climates. This genomic information is essential to improve the breeding and adaptation of minority pig breeds, which will result in higher quality meat production and more sustainable livestock farming.

The third specific objective involves the establishment of breed-specific breeding and traceability programmes, with the aim of facilitating the exchange of animals between different producers and, in this way, achieving significant genetic improvements. These breeding and traceability programmes are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the breeds, promoting their adaptation and genetic improvement.

Objective 4 aims to promote a common identity reference for minority native breeds, focusing on the extreme traceability of quality products. This measure aims to consolidate the unity of the breeds and increase their recognition and appreciation. Therefore, by creating a solid and differentiating identity for these breeds, their preservation and positioning in the market as high-quality and environmentally sustainable products is strengthened.

The most digital part is in specific objective 6, with the creation of a cloud data management platform enriched with artificial intelligence representing a technological leap in the certification and traceability of all stages of the value chain. This will promote smarter and more efficient decision-making, improving data quality, correlation and reliability for the end consumer. It is anticipated that this technological solution will open up new opportunities for optimization, cost savings and operational improvements for all organizations involved, driving innovation in data management and traceability. The most digital part will consist of the implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain that will ensure efficient and reliable data management, which is essential to maintain product traceability and authenticity. Furthermore, this federated platform has the potential to revolutionize data management and open up new avenues for optimization and efficiency throughout the value chain.

This result implies achieving an accurate and meaningful correlation between genetic information and physical characteristics of minority indigenous breeds on the AI platform, and as a result, a deeper understanding of how genetic profiles relate to the physical traits and performance of these breeds will be obtained.

This will enable more precise selection of specimens for breeding, leading to more effective improvement of the quality of offspring and preservation of the distinctive characteristics of these breeds.

This data correlation is essential to strengthen the preservation and sustainable development of indigenous breeds.

By understanding how genetic profiles translate into physical and performance characteristics, producers will be able to make more informed decisions when selecting animals for breeding, which will contribute to the continuous improvement of these breeds and their adaptation to changing conditions. Finally, we chose to create a solid identity reference for these breeds, which we believe is essential for their recognition and appreciation in the market.