Genome-Wide Association Study for Intramuscular Fat Content and Composition in Duroc Pigs

Abstract Text: Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition affect the organoleptic quality and nutritional value of pork and, thus, there is increasing interest in including these traits in selection schemes. In a genome-wide association study based on 138 purebred Duroc barrows we detected only weak associations with IMF content. In contrast, strong associations were found between two chromosomal regions and IMF composition, which co-localized with the SCD (SSC 14) and the LEPR (SSC 6) genes. The SCD gene is responsible for the biosynthesis of oleic acid from stearic acid and affects saturated and monounsaturated fat content. The association of LEPRwith IMF composition is, at least in part, a consequence of its effect on IMF content, resulting in higher saturated and lower polyunsaturated fatty acids. Markers in these two genes could be useful to genetically improve intramuscular fatty acid composition.

Keywords:

fatty acids

genome-wide association study

intramuscular fat