Leptin receptor gene as a genetic marker for leanness in pigs

Abstract

<p>Disclosed herein are genetic markers for pig leanness, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening pigs to determine those more or less likely to be obese and more or less likely to produce litters with leans or obese offspring and preferably selecting those pigs for future breeding purposes. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the pig leptin receptor gene.</p>