Effect of Leptin Gene Polymorphism on Fattening and Slaughter Value of Line 990 Gilts

Abstract

The study was aimed at defining leptin gene polymorphism and its potential association with values of particular features of fattening and slaughter value of gilts of Line 990. The study included a total of 208 gilts. The polymorphic locus in LEP gene was identified by the restriction enzyme HinfI in 3469 position, by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. Two alleles of LEP gene were identified: T (0.94) and C (0.06), resulting in two genotypes: TC (0.12) and TT (0.88). We did not observe any gilts of CC genotype. The analysis of values of fattening and slaughter features, depending on LEP genotype did not reveal significant differences in body mass increase, daily gain from day 63 to 180, and daily gain from birth to day 180, feed conversion per 1 kg body mass and the loin-eye thickness. Significant differences between the LEP genotypes were present for such features as the backfat thickness at points P2 (p ⪬ 0.05) and P4 (p ⪬ 0.01) and average backfat thickness (p ⪬ 0.01) in favour of TT genotype. We noted higher average values of lean meat content in carcass in favour of TT homozygotes, compared to the heterozygotes (p ⪬ 0.05). The investigation contributes additonal information regarding LEP gene polymorphism in gilts of Line 990. Knowledge of LEP genotypes may be useful to improve the slaughter value in gilts primarily due to less fatness. Due to the lack of individuals representing CC genotype in our results, research should continue on a larger population.