Abstract
Efficient use of feed resources is a challenge in the pork industry because the largest variability in expenditure is attributed to the cost of fodder. Efficiency of feeding is directly related to feeding behavior. In order to identify genomic regions controlling feeding behavior and eating efficiency traits, 338 Duroc boars were used in this study. The Illumina Porcine SNP60K BeadChip was used for genotyping. Data pertaining to individual daily feed intake (DFI), total daily time spent in feeder (TPD), number of daily visits to feeder (NVD), average duration of each visit (TPV), mean feed intake per visit (FPV), mean feed intake rate (FR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were collected for these pigs. Despite the limited sample size, the genome-wide association study was acceptable to detect candidate regions association with feeding behavior and eating efficiency traits in pigs. We detected three genome-wide (P < 1.40E-06) and 11 suggestive (P < 2.79E-05) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-trait associations. Six SNPs were located in genomic regions where quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have previously been reported for feeding behavior and eating efficiency traits in pigs. Five candidate genes (SERPINA3, MYC, LEF1, PITX2, and MAP3K14) with biochemical and physiological roles that were relevant to feeding behavior and eating efficiency were discovered proximal to significant or suggestive markers. Gene ontology analysis indicated that most of the candidate genes were involved in the development of the hypothalamus (GO:0021854, P < 0.0398). Our results provide new insights into the genetic basis of feeding behavior and eating efficiency in pigs. Furthermore, some significant SNPs identified in this study could be incorporated into artificial selection programs for Duroc-related pigs to select for increased feeding efficiency.
Highlights
Pork is a major meat resource for humans, providing over ~37% of all meat in 2012–2014[1]
Do DN et al showed that the average daily feed intake (DFI) is positively correlated to feed conversion ratio (FCR), and total time spent at feeder per day (TPD) is negatively correlated to mean feed intake rate (FR) [6]
We found that three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (MARC0053390, MARC0034591 and ASGA0099257) associated with FCR on SSC12 were in previously mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) that spanned 40.2–64.7 for backfat between the last 3rd and 4th lumbar in a commercial four-way cross[33]
Summary
Pork is a major meat resource for humans, providing over ~37% of all meat in 2012–2014[1]. The increasing demand for pork has prompted breeders around the world to significantly improve swine production. The cost of feed can be further compounded by competition between animal agriculture, human food, and biofuel industries resulting in augmentation of the demand for grain and higher grain prices[3]. With the development of computerized systems that record feed intake and related measurements, extensive research investigations on feeding behavior and eating efficiency have been performed[1, 4, 5]. Several studies have shown a strong correlation between the feeding behavioral traits and eating efficiency traits in livestock. Simple correlation studies between the feeding behavioral traits and eating efficiency traits could not provide a direct approach insight into the genetic determinants of control of FCR and other feeding behavioral traits
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