Determination of Genes Associated with Leg and Body Conformation Traits in Pigs

Abstract

<p>Sow reproductive life is greatly influenced by lameness issues. It has been reported that up to 44 percent of sows have locomotive problems. Hence, the present study examined 134 porcine genes affecting skeletal development, mineral metabolism and other candidate genes in 2000 commercial pigs for genetic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The association analyses of the first 22 genes revealed that nine genes such as <em>CALCR, HDBP, CALCA, MTHFR, OXTR, IHH, ANKH, LRCH1</em> and <em>OPN</em> were significantly associated with leg and body conformation traits, which affect the health and productivity of pigs.</p>