H2020 TREASURE Project: Diversity of local pig breeds and production systems for high-quality traditional products and sustainable pork chains
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2015 -2019
- Assigned Budget 3.395.986,75 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website Proyecto TREASURE
Research and development activities are proposed to promote sustainable pork production chains based on local European pig breeds and their production systems. The work program is designed to respond to consumer demands for quality and healthiness of pork products with a regional identity, as well as to social demands for environmental preservation and development of the local agroeconomy. Local pig breeds will be described and evaluated, with an emphasis on those not yet exploited, using innovative genomic tools. The performance of local pig breeds will be assessed under contrasting agro-geoclimatic conditions and production systems (indoor, outdoor, organic). Attention will be paid to pig feeding and management strategies, as well as the use of locally available feed resources.
The intrinsic quality of high-quality regional pork products, both traditional and new, will be assessed, as well as consumer attitudes in various market areas; in particular, the reasons for choosing and willingness to pay for such products. Marketing strategies will be addressed, especially in short-chain distribution channels. All activities will be driven from a sustainability perspective (environmental impact, animal welfare, product quality, consumer acceptance, and market potential).
The activities will adopt innovative approaches to respond to the socioeconomic demands of regional pork chains, involving partners from different sectors.
The objective is to strengthen existing networks and create new ones among academic and non-academic partners, both within and between regions, and to address the value chain of high-quality regional pork products, focusing on diverse and untapped pig breeds, their production systems, and their products. Enriching interactions between research, local agriculture, businesses, and end-users will be fostered with partners from these complementary sectors in all research and development activities.
For genetic characterization, candidate gene SNP data, SNP chip data, and whole-genome resequencing data were collected on DNA pools for all breeds. Additionally, RNAseq data and gut microbiota data were acquired from feeding and management experiments. The high-density SNP chip data were used to determine genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, effective size, and selection signatures in all local pig breeds. Whole-genome resequencing data have been collected on DNA pools for all breeds and are being further extracted. For several breeds, RNAseq data were collected and analyzed, and functional interpretation of differential expression was performed in relation to management factors studied in the experiments.
The microbiota was also characterized in relation to feeding and management. The most notable result was found for the Iberian "montanera" system, which exhibits potential for certification of this traditional production system. Sixteen experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of feeding and management practices, especially local feed resources, on product yield and quality. The environmental impact of production systems with local pig breeds was assessed in three case studies (Gascón, Krškopolje, and Mora Romagnola), while the nutritional requirements of local pig breeds were evaluated through experiments (Ibéricos and Cinta Senese) or through models with INRAPORC for other breeds. Based on these results, there is potential to develop diets better adapted to the nutritional needs of local pig breeds, thus contributing to economic and environmental sustainability.
An open-access book (with one chapter per breed) was developed compiling available data on censuses and production systems, performance, and quality traits for each of the breeds studied in the project. The intrinsic qualities (sensory, technological, and nutritional) of traditional and innovative pork products were assessed using a set of quality tools developed by the project, across various breeds and local production systems (in conjunction with experiments). The quality of meat and pork products was also assessed using innovative technologies (NIRS, biomarkers, CT). The results provide a first insight into the variability, both between and within breeds, in the intrinsic qualities of pork from these genetic resources. Innovations aimed at improving the naturalness, healthiness, conservation, or diversity of traditional pork products from local breeds were tested. Among them, reducing smoking time and using natural antioxidants to avoid the addition of nitrites are promising for improving health properties without affecting the sensory, physical, or chemical characteristics of pork products.
Salt reduction and omega-3 enrichment using fish oil still require process improvements before their larger-scale use. Effects of feeding (feed supply level, use of local resources). Rearing practices (extensive/intensive) and management (e.g., immunocastration) on the sensory, technological, and nutritional qualities of pork and pork products from local pig breeds were evaluated. A website and database on carcass and meat quality were developed for subsequent implementation in breeding programs. Consumer studies highlighted that the information provided to consumers influences the acceptability of innovative and traditional pork products, either positively or negatively; sensory quality being the most determining factor.
A cost-benefit analysis was conducted, and the data obtained was used to calculate the net farm income of the different production systems, as well as their social costs and benefits. Finally, focus groups with stakeholders demonstrated viable marketing strategies for local pig breed products, including the importance of trademarking, which was one of the focal points of the activities to maximize the project's impact (registration of a joint trademark in the EU). The results obtained from the scientific work were continuously disseminated at scientific events, and the project as a whole was communicated to stakeholders and the general public. Project management contributed to the effective implementation of the action.
Research and development activities were carried out to promote sustainable pork chains based on local European pig breeds and their production systems. The work program was designed to respond to consumer demands for quality and healthiness of pork products with a regional identity, as well as to social demands for environmental preservation and development of the local agroeconomy. Local pig breeds were described and evaluated, with an emphasis on those not yet exploited, using innovative genomic tools.
The performance of local pig breeds was evaluated under contrasting agro-geoclimatic conditions and production systems (indoor, outdoor, organic). The focus was on pig feeding and management, as well as the use of locally available feed resources. The intrinsic quality of high-quality regional pork products, both traditional and new, and consumer attitudes in various market areas were assessed, particularly their choice motives and willingness to pay for such products. Marketing strategies were addressed, especially in short-chain distribution channels. All activities were driven from a sustainability perspective (environmental impact, animal welfare, product quality, consumer acceptance, and market potential).
The activities adopted innovative approaches to respond to the socioeconomic demands of regional pork chains, engaging partners from different sectors. The objective was to strengthen existing networks and create new ones among academic and non-academic partners, both within and between regions, and to address the value chain of high-quality regional pork products, focusing on previously unexploited pig breeds, their production systems, and their products. Enriching interactions between research, local agriculture, businesses, and end-users were achieved with partners from these complementary sectors in all research and development activities.
Research and development activities are proposed to benefit sustainable pork chains based on local European pig breeds and their production systems. The work program is designed to respond to consumer demands for the quality and healthiness of pork products with a regional identity and to societal demands for environmental preservation and the development of the local agroeconomy. The description and evaluation of local pig breeds, with an emphasis on non-farmed ones, will be carried out using novel genomic tools. The performance of local pig breeds will be assessed under contrasting agro-geoclimatic conditions and production systems (indoor, outdoor, organic).
The focus will be on pig feeding and management strategies and the use of locally available feed resources. The intrinsic quality of high-quality new and traditional regional pork products and consumer attitudes in various market areas will be assessed, particularly the reasons for choosing and willingness to pay for such products. Marketing strategies will be addressed, particularly in short-chain distribution channels. All activities will be driven from a sustainability perspective (environmental impact, animal welfare, product quality, consumer acceptability, and market potential).
Activities will involve innovative approaches to respond to the socioeconomic demands of regional pork chains, involving partners from different sectors. The ambition is to enhance existing networks and create new ones among academic and non-academic partners, within and between regions, and to address the value chain of high-quality regional pork products, focusing on diverse and hitherto untapped pig breeds, their production systems, and pork products. Enriching interactions between research, local agriculture, businesses, and end-users will be achieved with partners from these complementary sectors in all research and development activities.
The increasing human population, coupled with the decreasing availability of agricultural land, represents a significant challenge for livestock production, particularly for pigs, with pork being the most consumed meat worldwide. The TREASURE project's response was guided by the motto: "Eat less, but better quality." When it comes to pork, consumers increasingly expect more sustainable production, with a lower environmental impact and guaranteed higher animal welfare standards. For livestock farmers, economic sustainability and efficiency are crucial.
The EU-funded TREASURE project emerged from the realization that one solution would be to increase the value of pork to consumers by ensuring its quality and provenance, so that they would be willing to eat less but pay more. To achieve this, preserving the genetic diversity of local pig breeds is critical for sustainable livestock farming. TREASURE developed tools that described and assessed the performance of local pig breeds under different agro-geoclimatic conditions and production systems (indoor, outdoor, organic). The project published an open-access book with information on the key productive traits of representative European pig breeds, population evolution, production systems, and details of breeding partnerships. The team also generated significant genomic data highlighting the adaptive capacity and resilience of these breeds. This knowledge enables breeders and scientists to better identify the untapped potential of breeds and adjust their pig management strategies accordingly.
The project also assessed consumer attitudes, particularly regarding price, to support marketing strategies. Improving Livestock The technology developed by TREASURE was designed to improve pig breeding, feeding, and management techniques. “TREASURE proposed an alternative paradigm to modern intensive pig production based on better use of unexploited, often endangered, local pig breeds,” says project coordinator Dr. Marjeta Candek-Potokar. One approach was to study the nutritional requirements of pig breeds by conducting metabolic experiments (available for two breeds) and mathematical modeling using InraPorc software. The team also studied locally available feed resources and feed by-products, assessing product quality, environmental impact, and epigenetic consequences.
Genetic information on the breeds was collected for breeding and conservation programs to demonstrate product authenticity and better understand the adaptability of these breeds. While the collected genomic data has yet to be fully analyzed and exploited, two tools have already been developed. The first tool is used to authenticate Mora Romagnola pork (patent pending) by identifying two specific genotype loci. Second, it was discovered that metagenomic characterization of the pigs' gut microbiota could authenticate Iberian pork, traditionally processed within the free-range "montanera" production system.
Reaching Consumers Thanks to TREASURE's promotional activities, consumer interest in local products has increased, contributing to local conservation efforts, and the project's impacts continue. For example, farmers of the Croatian Turopolje breed have developed new products (cured salami, bacon, and ham) and marketed them for the first time. Furthermore, the new Ribatejano (crossbred genotype), developed at TREASURE, is being commercially bred in Portugal.
A healthier, low-salt cured pork product was also developed in Portugal. Thanks to the active participation of breeder associations in the project, a European umbrella brand was registered to further promote local pig breeds and help their products gain market recognition. “While there is some regional variation, overall, our results show that Europeans recognize and value the role played by traditional breeds and related landscapes, and are willing to contribute to the maintenance and protection of these farming systems,” says Dr. Candek-Potokar. In addition to further research into the characteristics of traditional breeds, the project will continue to develop farmer networks to promote the TREASURE brand.
Research and development activities aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to develop existing and new sustainable pig production chains based on European pig genetic resources (local breeds). Activities focused on the genetic basis of their phenotypic uniqueness, adaptive traits, and DNA markers that could be used in breeding programs. Experiments were designed to improve knowledge of their nutritional requirements and make better use of locally available feed resources.
Innovations to improve product health and quality were tested with consumers, identifying their motives for consuming and purchasing. Multi-criteria evaluations of production systems, cost-benefit analyses at the product, farm, and societal levels, and the development of a new umbrella brand, along with marketing strategies, are important for the sustainability of local pig breeds.
TREASURE's main innovation potential lies in the idea that sustainable pig production systems can be built from local breeds, locally available feed resources, and traditional products that meet societal demands for biodiversity, environmental protection, local food chains, animal welfare, and consumer demand for high-quality products with health benefits.
- KMETIJSKI INSTITUT SLOVENIJE - AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF SLOVENIA
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