Pig Breeding 2026 №3(81)

GENETICS IN PIG BREEDING: A REVIEW OF UKRAINIAN RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

UDC: *UDC 575.22:636.082:636.4(477)

DOI: 10.37143/2786-7730-2026-7(85)4

REFERENCIS АРА style:For citation (APA Style): Peka, M. Yu. (2026). Genetics in Pig Breeding: a Review of Ukrainian Research in International Scientific Publications. Svynarstvo i Ahropromyslove Vyrobnytstvo [Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production]. Poltava, 7(85), 42–57 [in Ukrainіаn]. https://doi.org/10.37143/2786-7730-2026-7(85)4

M. Y. PekaPhD Student in Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biology, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0612-1164
E-mail:pekapoltava@gmail.com
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61022ROR: https://ror.org/03ftejk10

Manuscript was received/ 16.04.2026

Received after review/ 28.04.2026

Accepted for printing/ 22.06.2026

Available online/ 30.06.2026

Abstract

Objective.The aim of this study was to systematically analyze publications on pig genetics authored by Ukrainian researchers and indexed in the Scopus database, with emphasis on identifying the main research directions, methodological approaches, frequently studied genetic polymorphisms, and pig breeds. An additional objective was to assess how Ukrainian research in pig breeding genetics is represented within the international scientific space. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in the Scopus database. The selection process included identification, screening of titles and abstracts, and eligibility assessment based on full-text analysis. Inclusion criteria comprised original research articles and reviews focused on pig genetics with at least one Ukrainian-affiliated author. Exclusion criteria included conference abstracts, studies not directly related to pig genetics and those violating ethical standards. Data analysis focused on genetic markers, breeds, traits studied, and methodological approaches. Results. The initial search yielded 126 records, of which 39 publications met the inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility assessment. The dataset demonstrated thematic heterogeneity, with 29 studies directly addressing molecular genetic variability, predominantly through analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The most frequently studied gene was MC4R, followed by RYR1, ESR1, PRLR, LEP, and LEPR. Research was primarily conducted on Ukrainian Large White pigs, with limited representation of other breeds. The main areas of investigation included growth traits, reproductive performance, and meat quality characteristics. Methodologically, the majority of studies employed PCR-based approaches, especially PCR- RFLP, while genome-wide approaches such as sequencing and GWAS were absent. The analysis also indicated a relatively small number of Scopus-indexed publications compared to the broader range of national research. Conclusions. Ukrainian research in pig genetics, as represented in internationally indexed literature, is characterized by a focus on candidate and causal gene polymorphisms and marker-assisted selection. However, its international visibility remains limited, and methodological approaches lag behind current global trends. Future development requires both the adoption of genome-wide technologies and increased integration into international scientific publishing to enhance the accessibility and impact of Ukrainian research.

Key words: pig genetics, pig breeding, Ukraine, polymorphism, SNP, marker-assisted selection, candidate genes, Scopus, PCR-RFLP.

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