Finding Predictors of Leg Defects in Pigs Using CNV-GWAS
Lyubov Getmantseva1,2, Maria Kolosova1, Kseniia Fede2
1Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Don State Agrarian University, 346493 Persianovsky, Russia.
Genes
|November 25, 2023
Summary
Researchers identified copy number variants (CNVs) linked to leg defects in Large White pigs. These genetic markers may help select healthier breeding stock, improving animal welfare and industry productivity.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Animal Genetics
- Livestock Breeding
Background:
- Copy number variants (CNVs) influence phenotypic variation in livestock, but their functional effects are underestimated in pigs.
- Leg defects, specifically hock joint issues, are a concern in pig breeding, impacting animal welfare and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify molecular genetic predictors for leg defects in pigs.
- To investigate the association between CNVs and hock joint phenotype in Large White pigs for breeding stock selection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three CNV calling tools (PennCNV, QuantiSNP, R-GADA) and CNV-GWAS (CNVRanger) for analysis.
- Focused on Large White pigs to identify candidate CNVRs associated with limb defects.
Main Results:
- Identified three candidate CNVRs associated with the development of leg defects.
- Functional analysis indicated these CNVs could predict the hock joint phenotype.
- Significant regions localized to genes involved in metabolism (amino acids, lipids) and functions related to immune response and fatness.
Conclusions:
- The identified CNVs are potential molecular genetic predictors for leg defects in pigs.
- Genetic variants associated with liver, kidney, and hematological functions may underlie predisposition to leg defects.
- Findings support the use of CNV analysis in breeding programs to improve pig leg health.
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