Association of swine vertnin (VRTN) gene with production traits in Duroc pigs improved using a closed nucleus breeding system

Vertnin (VRTN) is involved in the variation of vertebral number in pigs and it is located on Sus scrofa chromosome 7. Vertebral number is related to body size in pigs, and many reports have suggested presence of an association between body length (BL) and meat production traits. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between the VRTN genotype and the production and body composition traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Intramuscular fat content (IMF) in the Longissimus muscle was significantly associated with the VRTN genotype. The mean IMF of individuals with the wild‐type genotype (Wt/Wt) (5.22%) was greater than that of individuals with the Wt/Q (4.99%) and Q/Q genotypes (4.79%). In addition, a best linear unbiased predictor of multiple traits animal model showed that the Wt allele had a positive effect on the IMF breeding value. No associations were observed between the VRTN genotype and other production traits. The VRTN genotype was related to BL. The Q/Q genotype individuals (100.0 cm) were longer than individuals with the Wt/Q (99.5 cm) and Wt/Wt genotypes (98.9 cm). These results suggest that in addition to the maintenance of an appropriate backfat thickness value, VRTN has the potential to act as a genetic marker of IMF.     

巴马香猪VRTN基因克隆、表达及其多态性与繁殖性状的关联分析

旨在研究VRTN（vertebrae development homolog）基因在巴马香猪群体中的编码区序列特征、组织表达情况、脊椎数性状因果突变位点ins291的等位基因频率及其与乳头数和产仔数性状的关联。本研究采集3头0日龄巴马香猪组织,利用cDNA克隆技术获得VRTN基因编码区全长序列并进行生物信息学分析,利用荧光定量PCR技术检测VRTN在心、肝、脾、肺、肾、背最长肌和皮下脂肪组织中的表达情况;采集279头经产巴马香猪母猪血液,检测ins291位点在该群体中的频率分布,并与乳头数、产仔数性状进行关联分析。结果表明,巴马香猪VRTN基因编码区全长2 097 bp,其编码的氨基酸序列在不同物种间存在大量保守区域;VRTN基因编码698个氨基酸,预测为亲水性蛋白质,存在1个螺旋转角螺旋域超家族结构功能区、2个低复杂度区域和2个内部重复结构,并与核受体辅抑制子1（NR6A1）、果蝇同源框基因Prospero的脊椎动物同源蛋白2（PROX2）和富亮氨酸重复序列74亚基（LRRC74A）等蛋白具有相互作用;VRTN基因在0日龄巴马香猪各组织中均有表达,其中在背最长肌组织中表达量最高;巴马香猪保种群体中VRTN基因有利突变位点ins291的等位基因频率为21.15%,不同基因型个体之间平均产仔数、总乳头数、左侧乳头数、右侧乳头数和单侧最大乳头数性状均无显著差异（P>0.05）,但纯合突变型（ins/ins）个体的乳头数性状均高于其他基因型个体。结果提示,在巴马香猪产业化生产中可通过分子育种手段提高VRTN ins291有利等位基因频率,但不影响其产仔数性状。     

Ob基因对松辽黑猪肉质和胴体性状的影响

以松辽黑猪为研究对象,分析Ob基因对其肉质和胴体性状的影响。测定30头松辽黑猪的9个肉质性状和6个胴体性状,用PCR-RFLP方法检测Ob基因型。结果显示,松辽黑猪TT基因型平均膘厚比CT基因型低,而肌内脂肪含量、瘦肉率则显著高于后者(P<0.05),其他肉质和胴体性状在Ob基因型间没有显著差异(P>0.05)。结果表明,Ob基因的TT基因型对猪的肉质和胴体性状具有显著的正遗传效应。     

撒坝猪繁殖性状的表型和遗传参数分析

对 6个世代共 2 31头撒坝母猪的繁殖性能数据资料进行了分析。在建立混合线性模型的基础上 ,采用HARVEY程序估计了总产仔数、活产仔数、初生窝重、 2 0日龄窝重、 60日龄断奶仔数和断奶窝重等 6个繁殖性状的表型和遗传参数。结果表明 ,撒坝猪繁殖性能在选育过程中有一定程度的提高 ,但速度平缓 ;上述 6个性状的遗传力分别为 0 0 37,0 0 75,0 1 1 1 ,0 1 55 ,0 1 0 3和 0 31 0 ,多为低遗传力性状 ;各性状间的遗传相关介于 0 532～ 0 773之间 ,表型相关和环境相关分别在 0 30 3～ 0 946和 0 442～ 0 972之间     

Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on reproductive traits in a Large White pig population

The objective of this study was to test for association of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with sow prolificacy reproductive traits, such as litter size, ovulation rate and lifetime performance, in gilts of a Large White pig population. Preliminary research on 25 animals selected from the high‐ and low‐performance groups of 347 animals with case‐control studies indicated that seven genes were associated with total number of piglets born (TNB). Six of the seven genes were associated with reproductive traits, including TNB, number of piglets born alive (NBA) and average weight of piglet weaning (AWW). A MBL2 SNP was significantly associated with TNB and NBA in first parity. A CFB SNP was associated with TNB in first parity. An ACE SNP was associated with TNB in first and second parities. An EGF polymorphism was associated with TNB, NBA and AWW in second parity. A KCNC2 polymorphism was significantly associated with TNB and NBA in second parity. A SLC22A5 SNP was associated with TNB and NBA in second parity. Six candidate SNPs were associated with TNB; the only exception was a PRKAG3 polymorphism. A candidate gene approach enables some of these polymorphisms to be used in genetic improvement programs based on marker‐assisted selection.     

Heritability and genetic correlation estimates of semen production traits with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs

We estimated heritabilities of semen production traits and their genetic correlations with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Semen production traits were semen volume, sperm concentration, proportion of morphologically normal sperms, total number of sperm, and total number of morphologically normal sperm. Litter traits at farrowing were total number born, number born alive, number stillborn, total litter weight at birth, mean litter weight at birth, and piglet survival rate at birth. Litter traits at weaning were litter size at weaning, total litter weight at weaning, mean litter weight at weaning, and piglet survival rate from birth to weaning. Pork production traits were average daily gain, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. We analyzed 45,913 semen collection records of 896 boars, 6,950 farrowing performance records of 1,400 sows, 2,237 weaning performance records of 586 sows, and individual growth performance records of 9,550 animals measured at approximately 5 mo of age. Heritabilities were estimated using a single-trait animal model. Genetic correlations were estimated using a 2-trait animal model. Estimated heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of estimated genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme.     

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits and their relationships with growth and carcass traits in Duroc pigs

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits of 380 boars and growth and carcass traits of 1642 pigs (380 boars, 868 gilts and 394 barrows) in seven generations of Duroc population were estimated. Feed efficiency traits included the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and nutritional (RFI(nut)), phenotypic (RFI(phe)) and genetic (RFI(gen)) residual feed intake. Growth and carcass traits were the age to reach 105-kg body weight (A105), loin eye muscle area (EMA), backfat (BF), intra-muscular fat (IMF) and meat tenderness. The mean values for RFI(phe) and RFI(gen) were close to zero and for RFI(nut) was negative. All the measures of feed efficiency were moderately heritable (h(2) = 0.31, 0.38, 0.40 and 0.27 for RFI(nut), RFI(phe), RFI(gen) and FCR respectively). The heritabilities for all growth and carcass traits were moderate (ranged from 0.37 to 0.45), except for BF, which was high (0.72). The genetic correlations of RFI(phe) and RFI(gen) with A105 were positive and high. Measures of RFI were correlated negatively with EMA. BF was more strongly correlated with measures of RFI (r(g) > or = 0.73) than with FCR (r(g) = 0.52). Selection for daily gain, EMA, BF and IMF caused favourable genetic changes in feed efficiency traits. Results of this study indicate that selection against either RFI(phe) or RFI(gen) would give a similar correlated response in carcass traits.     

Relationships between longevity,lifetime productivity,carcass traits and conformation in Polish maternal pig breeds

The objective of this study was to obtain heritability estimates for longevity (length of life, length of productive life, number of litters) and lifetime productivity traits (lifetime pig production, lifetime pig efficiency, lifetime litter efficiency) and genetic correlation between them and litter size at first farrowing, growth (ADG), backfat thickness (BF), loin depth, lean meat percentage (LMP), phenotypic selection index (PSI), and exterior in 19423 Polish Landrace (L) and 16049 Polish Large White (LW) sows. Heritabilities for longevity and lifetime productivity traits were 0.10–0.13 for L sows and 0.09–0.11 for LW sows depending on the trait definition. The genetic correlations among these traits were all high and positive, ranging from 0.76 to 0.99. Antagonistic genetic correlations (?0.21 to ?0.26) were found between longevity traits and PSI and LMP in LW sows, while in L sows the respective parameters were lower and not significant for length of productive life. The number of live‐born piglets in the first litter was positively correlated with lifetime pig production and lifetime pig efficiency in both breeds. The genetic correlations of longevity and lifetime pig production with ADG, BF, loin depth and exterior were small, and in most cases, not significant.     

Effects of growth rate on carcass and meat quality traits and their association with metabolism-related gene expression in finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different growth rates on carcass characteristics and meat quality and their relationship with myogenesis and lipogenesis in finishing pigs. Pigs were slaughtered at the same age and were assigned to high (HGR) or low (LGR) growth rates with 120 kg or 110 kg final body weights at slaughter. The results indicated that pigs with HGR had heavier (P < 0.05) final body weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of fat in the muscle and higher (P < 0.05) total RNA concentration in muscle than pigs with LGR. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 in fat were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. Additionally, the mRNA expression of glycogen synthase in muscle was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. These results indicate differences in postmortem myogenesis and lipogenesis traits of pigs with different growth rates; these differences in turn might have affected carcass characteristics and meat quality.     

Genetic parameters for production traits and measures of residual feed intake in Duroc and Landrace pigs

Data on 380 Duroc boars from seven generations, and 1026 Landrace pigs (341 boars and 685 gilts) from six generations were used to estimate genetic parameters for daily gain (DG), backfat thickness (BF), metabolic weight (MWT), daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI). Two measures of RFI were estimated as the difference between actual feed intake and that predicted from models that included initial test age and weight and DG (RFI1); and initial test age and weight, DG and BF (RFI2). Heritability estimates for DG, MWT and FI were moderate for both breeds. BF estimates were high for both the breeds. The measures of feed efficiency (FCR and RFI) were moderately heritable. Genetic correlations of BF with measures of RFI were stronger when BF was not included in the estimation of RFI (0.40 and 0.46 for Duroc and Landrace, respectively (for RFI1), compared with 0.05 and 0.06 for Duroc and Landrace, respectively (for RFI2)). Genetic correlations of MWT with measures of RFI were all negative and low. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between DG and measures of RFI were close to zero, which indicated that selection for reduced RFI could be made without adversely affecting DG. BF should also decrease, and MWT should increase under selection for reduced RFI. The reduction in BF would depend on the measure of RFI used.     

Evaluation of effects of multiple candidate genes (LEP,LEPR, MC4R,PIK3C3, and VRTN) on production traits in Duroc pigs

We evaluated multiple effects of genetic variations of five candidate loci (LEP, LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN) on four production traits (average daily weight gain (ADG); backfat thickness (BFT); loin eye muscle area (EMA); and intramuscular fat content (IMF)) in a closed nucleus herd of pure Duroc pigs. Polymorphisms in LEPR, MC4R and PIK3C3 had significant single gene effects on ADG and BFT. The additive genetic variance in ADG and BFT (16.99% and 22.51%, respectively) was explained by genetic effects of these three loci. No correlations were observed between the LEP genotype and production traits in this study. Although we detected marginally epistatic interactions between LEPR and PIK3C3 on the eye muscle area, there were no significant epistatic effects on any traits among all loci pairs. These results suggest that LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN may independently influence growth rate and fat deposition. Furthermore, the statistical models for predicting the breeding values of each trait had the lowest Akaike's information criterion values when considering the effect of the MC4R, LEPR, PIK3C3 and VRTN genotype simultaneously. These results suggest that LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN are useful markers for accurately predicting breeding values in Duroc pigs.     

军牧1号白猪、杜洛克猪和藏猪的氟烷基因和酸肉基因多态性分布

为了研究军牧1号白猪、杜洛克猪和藏猪氟烷基因和酸肉基因的多态性分布情况,试验采用PCR-RFLP方法对61头军牧1号白猪、51头杜洛克猪和51头藏猪的氟烷基因和酸肉基因多态性进行了检测。结果表明:军牧1号白猪的氟烷基因表现为单一的NN型;杜洛克猪的氟烷基因表现为多态性,等位基因N的频率为0.196 1,基因型分布符合哈代-温伯格平衡(χ2=3.033 9,P=0.081 5);藏猪的氟烷基因表现为单一的nn型。3个猪种的酸肉基因均表现为单一的rn/rn型。     

Genetic relationships between temperament of calves at auction and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle

Correlations of calves’ temperament with carcass traits were estimated to clarify the genetic relationships between them in Japanese Black cattle. The temperament records for 3128 calves during auction at a calf market were scored on a scale of 1 (calm) to 5 (nervous) as temperament score (TS ), and the TS were divided into two groups (TSG ): TS 1 and 2 comprised TSG 1, and 3 to 5 constituted TSG 2. Carcass data were obtained from 33 552 fattened cattle. A threshold animal model was used for analyzing the underlying liability for TSG , whereas a linear one was used for TS and carcass traits. The heritability estimates for TS and TSG were 0.12 and 0.11, respectively. On the other hand, moderate to high heritability estimates were obtained for carcass traits (0.40 to 0.68). The temperament scores were negatively correlated with carcass weight, rib thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness (?0.13 to ?0.59). In contrast, weak to moderate positive correlations were found between the temperament scores and rib eye area or yield estimate (0.16 to 0.45). The temperament scores and beef marbling score had no correlation. These results showed that it is possible to improve temperament and carcass traits simultaneously.     

Association between IGF-I, IGF-IR and GHRH gene polymorphisms and growth and carcass traits in beef cattle

Molecular biology techniques are of help in genetic improvement since they permit the identification, mapping and analysis of polymorphisms of genes encoding proteins that act on metabolic pathways involved in economically interesting traits. The somatotrophic axis, which essentially consists of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), and their associated binding proteins and receptors (GHRHR, GHR, IGF-IR and IGF-IIR), plays a key role in the metabolism and physiology of mammalian growth. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the allele and genotype frequencies of the IGF-I/SnaBI, IGF-IR/TaqI and GHRH/HaeIII gene polymorphisms in different genetic groups of beef cattle and to determine associations between these polymorphisms and growth and carcass traits. For this purpose, genotyping was performed on 79 Nellore animals, 30 Canchim (5/8 Charolais+3/8 Zebu) animals and 275 crossbred cattle originating from the crosses of Simmental (n=30) and Angus (n=245) sires with Nellore females. In the association studies, traits of interest were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS and least square means of the genotypes were compared by the Tukey test. Associations of IGF-I/SnaBI genotypes with body weight and subcutaneous backfat were significant (p<0.05), and nearly significant for longissimus dorsi area (p=0.06), with the BB genotype being favorable compared to the AB genotype. No significant associations were observed between this polymorphism and weight gain or carcass yield (P>0.05). The IGF-IR/TaqI and GHRH/HaeIII polymorphisms showed no association with production traits.     

北京黑猪NR6A1、VSX2、VRTN、LTBP2基因多态性与脊椎数及胴体性状的关联分析

旨在研究NR6A1、VSX2、VRTN、LTBP2基因在北京黑猪群体中基因的多态性与脊椎数和胴体性状(胴体长、胴体直长、胴体斜长及胴体重)的关联。本研究提取410头(210±7)日龄健康北京黑猪耳组织DNA,通过PCR技术和Sanger测序技术对4个基因外显子区进行基因分型,计算变异位点基因型频率以及等位基因频率的分布,并与脊椎数和胴体性状进行关联分析。结果表明,在VSX2、VRTN、LTBP2三个基因中共筛选到15个SNPs,其中包含1个CDS区的同义突变和14个3'UTR突变。使用Duncan's多重检验统计分析发现,VSX2基因中CDS区的1个突变c.536 G＞A与脊椎数关联显著(P＜0.05)。VRTN中3'UTR区共4个突变与性状关联显著(P＜0.05),其中c.2598 A＞G和c.2607 G＞T与脊椎数、胴体长、胴体直长及胴体斜长关联显著,c.3087 G＞C只与胴体斜长关联显著,c.3094 A＞G与脊椎数及胴体斜长关联显著(P＜0.05)。LTBP2上6个3'UTR突变位点(c.7158 A＞G、c.6869 C＞T、c.6319 G＞C、c.6246 G＞T、c.6170 A＞G、c.6079 G＞T)与脊椎数关联显著(P＜0.05),但与胴体性状关联不显著。综上所述,VSX2、VRTN、LTBP2基因中共有10个SNPs与脊椎数性状关联显著(P＜0.05),仅VRTN基因中4个SNPs与胴体性状关联显著(P＜0.05)。这些关联显著的SNPs可以作为北京黑猪脊椎数及胴体性状变异的候选基因功能位点。     

Genetic parameters for carcass and meat quality traits and their relationships to liveweight and wool production in hogget Merino rams.

Genetic parameters for carcass and meat quality traits of about 18-month-old Merino rams (n = 5870), the progeny of 543 sires from three research resource flocks, were estimated. The estimates of heritability for hot carcass weight (HCW) and the various fat and muscle dimension measurements were moderate and ranged from 0.20 to 0.37. The brightness of meat (colour L*, 0.18 +/- 0.03 standard error) and meat pH (0.22 +/- 0.03) also had moderate estimates of heritability, although meat relative redness (colour a*, 0.10 +/- 0.03) and relative yellowness (colour b*, 0.10 +/- 0.03) were lower. Heritability estimates for live weights were moderate and ranged from 0.29 to 0.41 with significant permanent maternal environmental effects (0.13 to 0.10). The heritability estimates for the hogget wool traits were moderate to high and ranged from 0.27 to 0.60. The ultrasound measurements of fat depth (FATUS) and eye muscle depth (EMDUS) on live animals were highly genetically correlated with the corresponding carcass measurements (0.69 +/- 0.09 FATC and 0.77 +/- 0.07 EMD). Carcass tissue depth (FATGR) had moderate to low genetic correlations with carcass muscle measurements [0.18 +/- 0.10 EMD and 0.05 +/- 0.10 eye muscle area (EMA)], while those with FATC were negative. The genetic correlation between EMD and eye muscle width (EMW) was 0.41 +/- 0.08, while EMA was highly correlated with EMD (0.89 +/- 0.0) and EMW (0.78 +/- 0.04). The genetic correlations for muscle colour with muscle measurements were moderately negative, while those with fat measurements were close to zero. Meat pH was positively correlated with muscle measurements (0.14 to 0.17) and negatively correlated with fat measurements (-0.06 to -0.18). EMDUS also showed a similar pattern of correlations to EMD with meat quality indicator traits, although FATUS had positive correlations with these traits which were generally smaller than their standard error. The genetic correlations among the meat colour traits were high and positive while those with meat pH were high and negative, which were all in the favourable direction. Generally, phenotypic correlations were similar or slightly lower than the corresponding genetic correlations. There were generally small to moderate negative genetic correlations between clean fleece weight (CFW) and carcass fat traits while those with muscle traits were close to zero. As the Merino is already a relatively lean breed, this implies that particular attention should be given to this relationship in Merino breeding programmes to prevent the reduction of fat reserves as a correlated response to selection for increased fleece weight. The ultrasound scan traits generally showed a similar pattern to the corresponding carcass fat and muscle traits. There was a small unfavourable genetic correlation between CFW and meat pH (0.19 +/- 0.07).     

Genetic correlations between male reproductive traits and growth traits in growth performance tested Duroc,Landrace and Yorkshire breed boars

Male‐related traits at 180–225 days of age for 6464 grow‐finish performance tested boars were measured from 2000 to 2016. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations among average daily gain, feed efficiency, back fat thickness, teat counts, mounting libido, leg locomotion, penile length, sperm motility, sperm concentration and total sperm counts were estimated by VCE software using a multiple traits animal model in each breed. Growth‐tested boars had heritability estimates of male reproductive traits in 0.34–0.56 of teat counts, 0.12–0.20 of libido, 0.08–0.12 of locomotion, 0.17–0.58 of penile length, 0.04–0.21 of sperm motility and concentration, 0.17–0.30 of total sperm counts. Total sperm counts were genetically positively correlated with penile length in all breeds. Boars with higher total sperm counts had genetically better libido and locomotion. Genetic correlation between feed efficiency and sperm motility and feed efficiency and sperm concentration were positive in Duroc and negative in Landrace and Yorkshire. Sperm motility and concentration were genetically negatively correlated with average daily gain in Yorkshire. Male reproductive traits of imported breeds could be improved with care in the change of growth traits, especially in Yorkshire.     

贵州地方猪BF基因的群体遗传特性分析

以BF基因为候选基因,利用PCR和直接测序技术对贵州白香猪、可乐猪、大约克猪3个品种共95个个体BF基因外显子15、16、17的733 bp进行多态性分析,并对不同品种进行群体遗传学分析。结果显示:在第16外显子45 bp处存在A→C的碱基突变,命名为BF-exon16-A45C,导致编码的氨基酸由谷氨酸(Glu)突变为天冬氨酸(Asp);在贵州白香猪和可乐猪群体内均检测到AA、AC和CC三种基因型,在大约克猪群体内只检测到AC和CC两种基因型,贵州白香猪处于低度多态,可乐猪和大约克猪处于中度多态。经χ2适合性检验表明:贵州白香猪在该位点偏离了Hardy-Weinberg遗传平衡状态,可乐猪和大约克猪均处于Hardy-Weinberg遗传平衡状态。     

Estimation of genetic parameters and season effects for semen traits in three pig breeds of South China

The economic profitability of a boar station largely depends on semen quantity and quality traits. However, genetic analysis of semen traits has not yet been done in the boar population in China. In this study, we aimed to estimate genetic parameters for semen traits and the influence of seasons on these traits by using data of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire boars in South China. The following four semen traits were analysed: semen volume (ml; VOL), sperm concentration (10⁶/ml; DEN), sperm motility (MOT) and percentage of abnormal sperm (ABN). Genetic parameters and season effects were estimated simultaneously for each breed by using a multiple‐trait (4 × 4) repeatability animal model. The four traits had a moderate heritability with average estimates of 0.23, 0.28, 0.26 and 0.17 across the three breeds, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations among four traits differed in the three breeds. In particular, in Yorkshire, the four traits were nearly genetically independent. The season of collecting semen had a significant impact on these four semen traits except ABN in Duroc (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.05/6). The moderate heritabilities indicate the possibility of effective selection of boars for semen traits. Different genetic correlations for the three breeds suggest that the selection strategy for the four traits should be investigated separately for each breed. Some necessary actions should be taken to reduce the influence of seasons on semen traits.