genetic variability within swine production flows.

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic variability of within various swine production flows. Four positive production flows, composed of 4 production stages, were selected for this study. Laryngeal and/or bronchial swabs were collected from each production stage within a flow, for a period of 4 months up to 3 years. A multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis was performed to assess the genetic variation of within and across production flows through the identification of variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) types. A maximum of 6 VNTR types were identified in a single flow, in which VNTR types appeared to be flow specific. An identical VNTR type was detected across several production stages for up to 3 years. In this study, minimal genetic variation was evidenced within and across production flows.