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Mapping of quantitative trait loci affecting behaviour in swine
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany. gerald.reiner@vetmed.uni-giessen.de
Animal Genetics
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Genetic factors influence swine behavior. Researchers identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting pig behavior in both healthy and Sarcocystis-infected states, revealing genetic links to behavioral changes during disease.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Behavioral Science
- Parasitology
Background:
- Behavioral problems are common in farm animals, yet their genetic basis is poorly understood.
- Understanding the genetic control of behavior is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.
- Disease can significantly alter animal behavior, necessitating studies under both healthy and diseased conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for behavioral indices in swine.
- To investigate how Sarcocystis miescheriana infection influences the genetic control of behavior.
- To compare behavioral QTL in healthy pigs versus pigs at different stages of infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Pietrain/Meishan F(2) family known for disease resistance QTL mapping.
- Infected pigs with Sarcocystis miescheriana to create acute, subclinical, and chronic disease models.
- Recorded and analyzed behavioral indices in pigs at four health/disease states (day 0, 14, 28, 42 post-infection).
Main Results:
- Mapped six genome-wide significant and 24 chromosome-wide significant QTL for six behavioral indices in swine.
- Identified QTL influencing behavior in healthy pigs, with some losing effect and others persisting during disease.
- Observed differential effects of QTL on distinct behavioral indices throughout the disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified significant QTL affecting swine behavior, highlighting the genetic basis of these traits.
- The Sarcocystis infection model proved valuable in detecting gene loci influencing behavior under disease stress.
- Genetic factors play a role in swine behavior, and these effects can be modulated by disease states.
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