Mapping genomic regions associated with growth rate in pigs

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with postweaning average daily gain (ADG) in swine. Two families were produced using sires obtained from the cross of lines divergently selected for high and low growth rate. Sires were mated to 29 unrelated dams that produced 124 and 115 offspring. Average daily gain was recorded for every individual; mean ADG was .593 +/- .007 kg/d and .619 +/- .009 kg/d in the two families. Selective genotyping was performed as a prescreening procedure to identify genomic regions potentially associated with ADG. A total of 75 genetic markers were used between both families. Markers identified as nominally significant (P < .05) in an individual marker analysis were subsequently typed in all individuals. Markers still nominally significant (P < .05) after analysis with the complete family were then reevaluated together with flanking markers in an interval mapping analysis. A single region on chromosome 3, flanked by markers Sw2429 and Sw251, for the second family had a logarithm of the odds score of 2.9, which is suggestive of linkage with a quantitative trait locus for ADG. Differences were .033 +/- .009 kg/d between individuals inheriting alternative paternal alleles for Sw251, which was the most significant marker.