Effect of candidate genes for maternal ability on piglet survival and growth

Abstract

Abstract Our study aimed to test if genes related to maternal ability can be used as genetic markers to improve piglet production. We considered polymorphisms in the oxytocin gene and other loci related to metabolic oxytocin levels and maternal behavior. We hypothesized that genetic variants in these genes can be used to select sows with good mothering ability, expressed as the ability to raise many fast-growing piglets. We identified polymorphisms in candidate genes and used additional closely located known polymorphisms to genotype sows and to test the association of the polymorphisms. Nine genes, oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3), growth factor receptor-bound substrate 10 (Grb10), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB), cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38), neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) and protein kinase C, gamma (PRKCG) were selected for analysis. We identified four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), while 23 SNP identified using sequencing were already reported in a public database. Sows were genotyped using SNP identified using sequencing and from a public database, and a total of 30 out of 65 SNP segregated in the population. We tested the association of 20 markers with traits from up to 164 sows, including number and weight of piglets born and weaned and growth rate of piglets until week 5. Polymorphisms in or close to genes FOSB, PRKCG, Grb10, OXTR, and AVP showed significant associations (after Bonferroni correction, P Implications The survival of piglets is one important measure of successful pig production and the sow plays a major role for the survival of piglets. Selection of maternal lines focusses on maternal ability as it is relevant for piglet survival. We found some associations between candidate gene markers and maternal ability traits. But since the associations were not consistent from the first to the second parity, the markers seem to be less valuable for breeding.