Although the EC support for the PiGMaP collaboration ceased in December 1996, joint pig genome mapping experiments continue. The PiGMaP Linkage Consortium and collaborative use of the somatic cell hybrids and large fragment genomic libraries continue to make a significant contribution to pig genome research. The joint QTL-mapping analyses initiated within the PiGMaP project will be completed as will the interpretation of the genetic diversity study.

The linkage maps are being exploited in ongoing QTL-mapping studies both in individual laboratories and in collaborative studies. For example, the EC INCO Copernicus projects to map genes influencing economically important traits exploit the methods and resources developed within PiGMaP and will transfer this technology to groups in Eastern European countries.

Laboratories who participated in the PiGMaP programme are developing proposals for follow-on studies and will seek support from the EC's Fourth and Fifth Framework Programmes. These proposals will include projects that will exploit results and resources from the early PiGMaP programme to address specific traits of economic or biological importance. In addition, there is a need at supranational level for funds to support the development, maintenance and sharing of key resources such as the mapping pedigrees, the somatic hybrid panels, the DNA libraries and the databases.