The effect of a MspI polymorphism at the porcine pituitary specific transcription factor (PIT-1) gene on backfat...

In the present study the association between a MspI polymorphism in the porcine PIT-1 gene and backfat thickness in Belgian slaughter pigs was investigated. The polymorphism was analysed with an improved PCR-RFLP test, using primers chosen on the sequence of intron 3 of the PIT-1 gene. The polymorphism was confirmed in a number of dam breeds (Landrace, Large White, Synthetic Lines) and in the main Belgian terminal sire breed Piétrain. In crossbred progeny (n = 185), a mixed animal model analysis indicated that the MspI D allele could possibly be associated with a higher backfat thickness, but the effect only approached significance (P = 0.06). In addition, this effect has to be interpreted carefully in view of the reverse allelic effects between studies and the low number of CC homozygous animals in this study.