Genome-wide Association Study on Alive Litter Size Trait in Bama Xiang Pigs

In order to identify the molecular markers related to alive litter size of Bama Xiang pigs,the genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used to map and screen the candidate genes affecting the alive litter size trait.Ear tissue samples of 297 Bama Xiang pigs with multiple parity records were collected,and DNA was extracted and genotyped by porcine 50K SNP beadchip.After quality control and genotype imputation,the alive litter size of Bama Xiang pigs were GWAS by Tassel.The results showed that the average number born alive per litter of Bama Xiang pigs increased gradually with the increasing of parity in the range of 1-9 parities.A total of 32 816 SNPs were obtained after quality control and filtration.8 SNPs related to alive litter size of Bama Xiang pigs were screened by genome-wide association analysis,which were significant at genome or chromosome level.Based on the enrichment analysis of the coding genes in the region between 500 kb upstream and downstream of the associated significant SNP loci,and the QTL regions and gene functions related to porcine reproductive traits,4 genes (CAPZB,MSH3,CITED2 and HSD17B7) were finally identified to be candidate genes related to alive litter size of Bama Xiang pigs.