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

• Published in: Animal science journal Vol. 87; no. 12; pp. 1455 - 1463
• Main Authors: Sato, Shuji, Kikuchi, Takashi, Uemoto, Yoshinobu, Mikawa, Satoshi, Suzuki, Keiichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Animal reproduction; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Epidermal Growth Factor - genetics; Female; Genetic Markers; Genome-Wide Association Study - veterinary; Genotype; Hogs; Litter Size; Mannose-Binding Lectin - genetics; Organic Cation Transport Proteins - genetics; Ovulation; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A - genetics; Phenotype; pig; Polymorphism; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - genetics; Population genetics; Quantitative Trait, Heritable; random residual effect; Reproduction - genetics; Reproduction - physiology; reproductive trait; Shaw Potassium Channels - genetics; single nucleotide polymorphism; Swine - genetics; Swine - physiology; total number of piglets born; Weaning; reproductive trait; total number of piglets born; random residual effect; single nucleotide polymorphism; pig
• ISSN: 1344-3941; 1740-0929
• DOI: 10.1111/asj.12580

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.