## 2 Pedigree Methods
### Applications in Conservation of Pig Breeds  
Parameters that can be used to describe genetic diversity from the pedigree include several key measures that describe the relatedness of animals in the population and the possible consequences of their mating, such as inbreeding coefficients (F), effective population size (Ne) derived from the increase in inbreeding ([PERSON], 2003), and the genetic contributions of individual ancestors. Therefore, pedigree information can be useful in estimating the effective population size, which is a critical parameter for managing population sustainability. In addition, an analysis of the genetic contributions of the founders helps maintain the genetic diversity derived from the original animals. There are two different production concepts for pigs. Global pig production is intensive and industrialized, and is based on strict line selection within only about ten pig breeds. On the other hand, in many countries, there is a concept based on rearing pigs under extensive conditions, in which autochthonous pig breeds can play an important role. Depending on the system, breeding objective scan be focused on strong genetic improvements or conservation of genetic diversity. In both selection and conservation, some simple demographic parameters obtained from pedigrees have a major impact on the evolution of the genetic variability and depend largely on the management of the population ([PERSON], 2003; [PERSON], 2003). [PERSON] (2003) developed the inbreeding coefficient to monitor the degree of inbreeding levels in a population. Although it is generally assumed that the loss of genetic diversity is predominantly associated with smaller, autochthonous pig populations, [PERSON] et al. [PERSON] et al. (2003) have shown using pedigree analysis that even global breeds, such as Landrace, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Duroc, and Hampshire, are also exposed to the contraction of genetic diversity. In such populations under selective pressure, inbreeding within the progeny of reproducing individuals can be higher than expected from pure genetic drift. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that selection using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and genomic selection is based on pedigree information, which leads to related animals being selected together as parents of the next generation. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2003) analyzed the pedigree data of four Canadian commercial breeds and found that the Hampshire and Lacombe breeds have lost considerable genetic diversity, which needs to be conserved as a priority. Therefore, for global commercial breeds, where intensive selection is applied, pedigree analysis is used to prevent excessive narrowing of the genetic pool. Moreover, in global breeds, pedigree data have been extensively used to optimize genetic gain while controlling the risks associated with reduced genetic variability. Genetic diversity in autochthonous pigs has been the subject of numerous studies in different breeds, such as three strains of Mangalitza, Nero di Parma [50], Mora Romagnola, and Cinta Senese [51]. In most studies, the effective population size estimated from pedigrees in autochthonous pig populations indicates low genetic diversity and the need for conservation measures. Small effective population sizes increase the risk of genetic drift and loss of allelic diversity, which affects the long-term viability of the population. Additionally, the results show great variability in pedigree completeness between breeds, where some populations pedigrees are well documented and show high completeness, while in others, the values for equivalent generations are extremely low. Maintaining the genetic diversity of autochthonous pig breeds is crucial for their long-term sustainability and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Conservation strategies should prioritize not only the preservation of genetic diversity but also maintain the cultural and economic values of these breeds.