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Genetic determinants of pig birth weight variability
Xuemin Wang1,2, Xiaolei Liu3,4, Dadong Deng5
1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. wxmexplorer@163.com.
BMC Genetics
|January 30, 2016
Summary
Reducing piglet birth weight variability through selective breeding is possible. Genome-wide association studies identified key genes on chromosome 7, offering insights for improving sow prolificacy and piglet survival.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Piglet birth weight variability impacts sow prolificacy, correlating with preweaning mortality and growth.
- Maternal additive genetic variance and heritability indicate potential for selective breeding to reduce variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic markers associated with piglet birth weight variability.
- To explore candidate genes influencing this trait for selective breeding strategies.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted on 82 sows with extreme birth weight variability.
- Identification of 266 genome-wide significant SNPs (p < 0.01), with enrichment on specific chromosomes.
Main Results:
- Significant SNPs were concentrated on chromosomes 7, 1, 13, 14, 15, and 18.
- Candidate genes involved in glucose homeostasis (GLP1R) and lipid metabolism (AACS, APOB, OSBPL10, LRP1B) were identified.
Conclusions:
- Piglet birth weight variability exhibits low heritability, making GWAS challenging with small sample sizes.
- Candidate regions, particularly on chromosome 7, and specific genes offer avenues for future research and breeding programs.
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