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Di Liu

Prof. Di Liu has been a pioneer in animal genetics, breeding science, and education for 38 years. She has focused on addressing major challenges within the industry by systematically uncovering the genetic characteristics and mechanisms of China's pig breeding resources. Additionally, she has developed a technical system for systematic conservation, targeted breeding, and rapid pig breeding. Through the implementation of three major projects in conservation, breeding, and production performance improvement, Prof.Di Liu has provided crucial technological support for China's pig breeding industry across the entire industrial chain. These efforts span from overcoming challenging conservation endeavors to exploring innovative approaches for utilizing pig breeding resources, making significant contributions to China’s industrial development.

Prof.Di Liu has served in various esteemed roles, including as a scientist in the National Pig Industry Technology System, Vice Chairman of the China Livestock and Poultry Genetic Marker Branch, Vice Chairman of the National Pig Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance, and Chairman of the Local Pig Industry Technology Innovation Alliance. Additionally, she has been appointed as the director of the Northeast Center of the National Pig Technology Innovation Center, the director of the Key Laboratory for the Integration of Breeding and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the leader of the Outstanding Talent Innovation Team for the Research and Utilization of Local Pig Breeding Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Furthermore, she has supervised 156 postdoctoral and master's students. Concurrently, Prof.Di Liu has played a pivotal role in major national cooperative projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as key projects jointly funded by the National Science and Technology Commission. Prof.Di Liu has also spearheaded the construction project of the Pig Innovation Platform. Her outstanding contributions have earned her two National Science and Technology Second Prizes (Ranks 1 and 4), four Provincial and Ministerial Science and Technology First Prizes (Rank 1), and an impressive publication record with 316 papers (including 137 in SCI journals) and 21 monographs as an editor. Additionally, she holds 90 authorized patents (20 national inventions and 24 international patents) and nine software copyrights.

Prof.Di Liu's achievements extend to the cultivation of three specialized strains, two excellent combinations, and the development of the new high-quality "Longmin Black Pig" varieties (supporting lines). She has pioneered 16 supporting technologies, 27 formulas and additives, seven breeding and breeding combination models, and has received approval for the production of 12 bacterial agents. The promotion of the new variety in 12 provinces has resulted in a conversion of 21.3 million yuan, ranking it among the top in national pig variety conversion. In recent years, this new breed has significantly increased the average annual sales of the industry by 6.9 billion yuan, totaling 62 billion yuan, and has played a crucial role in lifting 1667 households out of poverty. Prof.Di Liu's outstanding contributions have garnered praise from her peers and commendation from the Seed Industry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

She has been honored with the titles of National Outstanding Professional and Technical Talents, National Outstanding Agricultural Scientific Research Talents, National Exemplary Individual in Agricultural Science and Technology, National Ten Meritorious Figures in Animal Husbandry and Enriching People, as well as Scientific Chinese Person of the Year. Moreover, she received the first International Seed Industry Scientist Award, where she stood as the sole woman awardee. Her accolades also include the Contribution Award for Revitalizing China's Livestock Husbandry, the China Industry University Research Cooperation Innovation Award, and the distinction of being named a National March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetter. Additionally, she has been elected as a representative to the National Women's Congress for three consecutive terms.

Major accomplishments:

1. The implementation of a conservation project was initiated in response to the small population sizes and lack of clarity regarding the characteristics of pig breeding resources in China.

（1）Systematically studying the characteristics and genetic mechanisms of pig breeds in China.

This research revealed the regulatory mechanisms of pig meat quality. A total of 53 key genes and epigenetic factors regulating meat quality were discovered, including CAST and ACADM. The molecular regulatory network of C/EBP β -ACSL1 fat deposition revealed that AMPK and IRS1/Akt/FoxO1 were key signaling pathways determining intramuscular fat content and skeletal muscle formation. Furthermore, it was determined that the transformation of standard transcriptional isomers is a crucial regulatory factor for muscle development and meat quality characteristics, thereby providing a foundation for high-quality breeding and improved efficiency.

The research systematically elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of cold adaptation in pigs. By exploring key genes and regulatory networks for the seasonal growth of pig villi, the proportion and regulatory pathways of beige adipocytes, seasonal changes in gene expression, and the regularity of multiple gene micro frequency fluctuations, we have pioneered research into the adaptation mechanisms of pigs to cold through pathways such as the villi, blood, fat, muscle, and liver, thereby providing guarantees for stress-resistant breeding and reducing breeding costs.

We analyzed the mechanisms of pig tolerance to roughage and intestinal stress. By comparing the spatiotemporal patterns of gut microbiota, we found differences and compositional characteristics in the coarse feed-tolerant microbiota among five Chinese and foreign pig breeds, including Min pig. A stress injury model was constructed and used to analyze the molecular mechanisms by which multiple nutrients mediate host signaling pathways and targets through microorganisms. The results provide a reference for grain-saving breeding and reducing feed costs.

2. Establishment a fundamental database for Chinese pig breeding resources.

She took the lead in assembling the complete genome sequence of Min pigs, determining the degenerate genome and complete mitochondrial sequence of 25 pig breeds, collecting phenotypic data, scientific research results, and industrial information for 86 pig breeds, and constructed a database for pig breeding resources in China. This initiative significantly contributed to clarifying the genetic relationships among 48 pig breeds, including the Min pig. As a result, six books on Chinese pig germplasm resources have been published.

3. Establishment of a diversified technology system for pig conservation.

The technology employing a generational overlap model to assess the genetic structure of multi-source populations was implemented through the establishment of a provincially self-built or cooperative-built conservation farm, alongside two backup farms and three core farms. This approach successfully attained precise standards for the conservation of pigs, elevating them from an endangered population status to well beyond the safety threshold. A semen cryopreservation system with a thawing activity of ≥ 70% was developed, and a total of 7530 samples, including DNA, semen, and somatic cells from pigs, have been cryogenically preserved. The amalgamation of standard preservation and ectopic preservation presents a technology and platform for the long-term protection of pig genetic resources.

2. In response to the issue of low utilization of pig breeding resources in China, breeding projects have been implemented utilizing the achievements of seed conservation.

1. Innovative breeding techniques were employed to address critical challenges in breeding.

The integration of resource population construction, multi-omics gene mining, model prediction, and breeding technology combined both conventional and molecular approaches. A comprehensive index for the selection of superior parental stock, including the Min pig, was established for three breeds. The first reference group for pig genome selection was formed in China, marking the application of genome selection technology in breeding. Molecular markers associated with traits such as meat quality (PABPN1 and ACSL1) and disease resistance (SP100) were identified for assisted selection in breeding. We introduced the whole-genome hierarchical mixed model association analysis method, firstly identifying 345 SNPs related to meat quality and carcass, and developed two 55K liquid-phase chips for breeding purposes.

2. Creation of new breeding materials and screening excellent crossing breed combinations.

Using domestic and foreign pig breeds such as Duroc, Yorshire, Landrace and Min Pig, 16 breeding materials, including excellent meat quality lines, fast-growing lines, and high breeding lines, were created, and two high-quality crossing breed combinations were selected. The intramuscular fat content of the Berkshire-Min combination was 3.3%, twice that of an imported pig breed. The flavor amino acid content was 18% higher than that of the imported pig breed, and the breed has won the 5A gold medal in the national high-quality pork evaluation. The growth rate and tenderness of the wild boar combination were increased by 37% and 4.4%, respectively. The invention of the wild boar pure hybrid molecular identification method, meat quality evaluation standards, and supporting technologies have promoted the development of the wild boar industry.

3. Creation of targeted breeding goals for cultivating high-quality Longmin black pigs.

Screening was conducted to identify the optimal combination of the Min pig, Berkshire, and Songliao black pig. Employing a population succession breeding method, specialized strains of the Min pig and Songliao black pig were bred in a closed-loop manner, while Berkshire strains were developed in a semi-open-loop manner. Utilizing SMIC No.1 for bloodline division, molecular markers and a liquid chip selection were developed, leading to the cultivation of Longmin black pigs over a span of 16 years. The intramuscular fat content, a crucial indicator of meat quality, reached 4.23%, surpassing the high-quality black pork standard (3%) by 1.23%. The lean meat rate achieved 58.60%, a 10.95% improvement over normal domestic pigs (47.65%). These pigs reached a weight of 100 kg in 180 days, which is 92 days less than Min pigs. The Longmin black pig successfully underwent an on-site evaluation by the expert group of the National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Committee, unanimously commending its impressive breeding outcomes and substantial market potential. This achievement has addressed 40-years gap in pig breeding in Heilongjiang Province. Notably, this breed has held the highest intramuscular fat content among pig breeds in China over the past 15 years, marking the second-highest since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

3. In response to the insufficient supporting technology for pig breeds in China, we have launched projects focused on improving production performance, translating achievements into practical applications, and participating in science popularization initiatives. These efforts are built upon the successful foundation of seed conservation and breeding methodologies.

1. Through the implementation of engineering projects enhance production performance, our goal is to improve performance levels in critical areas such as reproduction, growth, and meat quality.

We have developed 16 key production technologies, including sow fat control and the invigoration of weak piglets. Additionally, we formulated 27 high-fiber and low-protein feed formulas with functional additives, introduced 7 models of combined breeding systems like pig-rice and pig-jade, and obtained approval for the production of 12 bacterial agents for the low-temperature fermentation of pig manure. Supporting the construction of pig farms, nutrition, environmental control, and the implementation of intelligent technology systems, the engineering impact has been significant, reducing nonproduction days of sows by seven days, increasing the annual number of weaned piglets by 1.1, enhancing the survival rate of commercial pigs by 3%, and elevating the average daily weight gain by 68g.

2. Through achievement transformation projects and science popularization initiatives, we contribute to poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and industrial efficiency enhancement.

We have hosted international and national conferences, formed alliances, and established 186 demonstration bases across 12 provinces. Additionally, we have incubated four large-scale pig farms, supported 327 enterprises, and assisted in creating six major brands, including Snow Pig, Forest Pig, and Berkshire-Min No. 1. The cultivated strains, combinations, and varieties are promoted in 12 provinces, resulting in an annual output of 2.3 million black pigs. We implemented a precise poverty alleviation model combining technology, enterprises, and impoverished households, which has provided assistance to a total of 1667 households, with an annual income increase exceeding 3000 yuan per household. For instance, Hele Village has released 7800 units, generating an annual income of 850,000 yuan to help lift villagers out of poverty. Additionally, we have published 16 illustrated popular science books, distributed 960,000 copies, and produced 10 animated films. More than 360,000 individuals have participated in online and offline training programs.

Prof.Di Liu is a trailblazer in the field of pig genetics and breeding in China, characterized by her unwavering patriotism, devoted commitment, unwavering integrity, rigorous scholarly approach, and a commendable dedication to encouraging future studies.

 

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