GGP Porcine HD Traits Bundle

What genetic markers are available on the GGP Porcine HD

SNP Markers associated to meat quality and animal growth

MC4R – The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) has been described in several studies as a functional gene controlling several growth and performance traits in pigs.

PRKAG3 – PRKAG3 gene is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis in eukaryotes. The mutation affects glycogen content, ultimate pH and colour and this mutation is present in all breeds. This mutation affects glycogen content in muscle and in general meat quality traits of pigs that include ultimate pH and colour measures which are correlated with other characteristics like drip loss, water holding capacity, tenderness, and cooking loss.

RENDEMENT NAPOLE (RN) – Rendement Napole (RN) gene in swine is found to cause low ultimate pH and water holding capacity in pork. The gene is also commonly called the “acid meat gene” or “Hampshire effect” due to the low ultimate meat pH it causes and because this gene has primarily been observed
in purebred or crossbred Hampshire populations.  The RN gene appears completely dominant and implies that a copy of the RN gene inherited from only one parent (carrier) can cause poor meat quality.

CAST – Calpastatin (CAST) activity post-mortem is highly related to meat tenderness. Two mutations (Cast_A or CAST Arg249Lys, and CAST_B or CAST Ser638Arg) have been identified which used in tandem are significantly associated with firmness, juiciness, Instron force, chewiness, and tenderness scores.
Both mutations can be genotyped and used individually. The allele A of CAST_A is associated with higher tenderness, lower cooking loss and Instron force. The allele A of CAST_B is associated with higher moisture in the cured ham.

CCKAR – The cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR) genetic test is associated with physiological control of feed intake, hunger fulfillment, and obesity. Animals with at least one copy of the dominant G allele have, on average, ~5% higher daily feed intake, 3% higher daily gain, and 3% fewer days to reach 180 kg, when compared to homozygotes for the A allele.

LITTER SIZE ASSOCIATED SNP MARKERS

ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPOR) – The favorable genetic variation has demonstrated an increase in uterine capacity as well as an increase in live births. In a commercial herd, an extra pig per litter was observed when comparing boars that have two copies of the favorable T allele versus boars with zero copies.

PORCINE STRESS SYNDROME/HALOTHANE TEST (HAL) –  The Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS) gene is also known as the Halothane gene (HAL), with affected animals being most susceptible to Malignant Hyperthermia (MH). MH is characterized by a rapid internal body temperature increase and sudden death triggered by environmental stress including transport, anaesthesia with halothane or intense exercise. Other undesired effects include pale, soft, exudative muscle (PSE) resulting in dark, dry, tough meat. The genetic condition is most found in Landrace, Piétrain, Poland China breeds as well as their crosses. It is not uncommon that homozygous affected animals (T/T) have a more developed muscular stature compared to the average.

F4: Resistance marker to E. coli (F4 ab/ac) – This tests for the F4 E. coli resistance gene marker. This is an important tool for pig breeders as neo-natal diarrhea and post-weaning diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) are among the most economically significant diseases in pigs, causing piglet mortality, reduced growth rates, morbidity, and increased costs of medications to manage outbreaks.

The effects of the genetic marker tests outlined here were described in peer-reviewed research publications by independent researchers with no affiliations with Neogen. There is no guarantee that effects observed following use of these tests will be similar to those previously described. Many variables can influence observed results, including but not limited to genetic background, environmental conditions and management programs. Neogen assumes no responsibility for the observed performance of pigs following genotyping.