The association between the genetic polymorphism of PIT-1 and MC4R genes with the average daily weight gain and some meat quality traits of Duroc pigs
The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between MC4R and PIT-1 genes on growth traits and some meat quality parameters in Duroc pigs. A total of 588 individuals of the Duroc breed were used to test individual performance and measure the average weight gain (ADG) and back fat thickness at 100 kg (BF100), loin depth (LD), intramuscular (IMF) and Lean meat proportions (LMP) by ultrasound machine ALOKA SSD 500V. After the performance test, blood samples were collected and analyzed for MC4R and PIT-1 genotypes. The association between two genes and traits is analyzed. The results showed that all genotypes of MC4R and PIT-1 genes were found in the surveyed Duroc pig population with different frequencies. The frequencies of alleles A and B of the PIT-1 gene polymorphism in the pig population were 0.60 and 0.40; Allen A and G of MC4R gene polymorphisms appeared with frequencies of 0.19 and 0.81, respectively. In the PIT-1 gene, the BB genotype favorably affected the ADG, BF100, and LMP traits but did not affect the IMF trait. For the MC4R gene, the GG genotype favorably affects ADG, BF100, and LMP traits, however, AA genotype increases IMF. There was no interaction between MC4R and PIT-1 genotypes in the ADG trait, but it affected other traits. AAAA and ABAA Genotypes increased the BF100 trait whereas the BBAG genotype increased the LD trait and BBGG genotype and increased IMF. Thus, MC4R and PIT-1 genes can be used in breeding programs.
