A DNA bank containing 12,000 DNA samples from 4,000 pigs has been set up in this capital of Jiangxi Province, east China.

The samples were taken from 70 pig species in 24 areas across the country by biologists from the Jiangxi Agricultural Universityover the past six years.

Experts say China ranks first globally in the diversification of pig species, but faster commercial production of pigs has led to the depletion of some species during the past two decades.

By collecting samples and building up the gene bank, experts aim to protect and exploit the rich gene resources of pigs in a bid to breed better species of the animal.

China is the biggest producer and consumer of pig meat as Chinese people consume much more pig meat than beef or mutton.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2002)