Application of whole genome resequencing in the dissection of QTLs affecting boar taint

Abstract

Meat products obtained from some intact male pigs often produce offensive smell or odour which is recognized as a complex trait known as boar taint. A surplus deposition of androstenone and skatole in the fat is a primarily source of boar taint. Castration of young male piglets is typically used to remove boar taint despite it resultant in loss of male specific sex steroids which are necessary for proper reproduction. Dissection of boar taint quantative trait loci using whole genome resequencing approach could unravel functional polymorphism(s) which may be useful in selection.