Identifying the complex genetic architecture of growth and fatness traits in a Duroc pig population

Abstract

In modern pig breeding programs, growth and fatness are vital economic traits that significantly influence porcine production. To identify underlying variants and candidate genes associated with growth and fatness traits, a total of 1 067 genotyped Duroc pigs with de-regressed estimated breeding values (DEBV) records were analyzed in a genome wide association study (GWAS) by using a single marker regression model. In total, 28 potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with these traits of interest. Moreover, VPS4B, PHLPP1, and some other genes were highlighted as functionally plausible candidate genes that compose the underlying genetic architecture of porcine growth and fatness traits. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architectures underlying swine growth and fatness traits that can be potentially used in pig breeding programs.