Fat Quality Traits Research Articles

Influence of Sex on Meat and Fat Quality from Heavy Alentejano Pigs Finished Outdoors on Commercial and High Fiber Diets.

This work aimed to examine the effects of sex on meat and fat quality traits from thirty Portuguese Alentejano (AL) pigs reared in outdoor conditions. These pigs were divided into three groups and fed ad libitum. From ~40 to 130 kg LW, castrated (C group) and intact animals (I and IExp) consumed commercial diets. Until slaughter (~160 kg), C and I pigs remained on commercial diets, and IExp changed to a more sustainable experimental diet with locally produced pulses and byproducts. Samples were collected from the Longissimus lumborum (LL), Psoas major (PM), and dorsal subcutaneous fat (DSF). At ~160 kg, the PM muscle of intact pigs presented lower intramuscular fat content than that of C pigs, while total collagen was higher. Additionally, PM myoglobin was lower and lightness (L*) was higher in intact pigs. Regarding DSF, moisture and total protein contents were higher and total lipids were lower in intact than in castrated pigs, while color parameters were not significantly different. Finally, antioxidant capacity measured in the LL muscle showed an overall lower value in intact pigs. However, lipid oxidation values were not significantly different between the experimental groups and only increased with storage time. Outdoor-reared intact AL pigs produced leaner and less saturated pork and fat compared to castrated ones. Despite the lower antioxidant activity observed in the LL muscles of intact pigs, the lipid oxidative stability of cooked meat was not different among the experimental groups.

Biochemical and gene expression differences associated with higher fat deposition in Krškopolje pigs in comparison with lean hybrid pigs

Krškopolje pig is the only preserved local pig breed in Slovenia. Compared to lean pig genotypes, it is characterised by greater capacity for lipid deposition. The underlying mechanisms responsible for a greater fat deposition in this breed have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to determine differences in gene expression and lipid metabolism between Krškopolje pigs and lean hybrid pigs reared in the same environmental conditions. Despite a greater fat deposition, activities of lipogenic enzymes were lower in Krškopolje than in lean hybrid pigs (i.e. malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase displayed 2.6- and 2.0-fold lower activity measured on tissue postmortem, respectively). Krškopolje pigs had also lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and higher saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content than their lean-type peers. Consistent with a higher MUFA, overexpression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene was determined in Krškopolje pigs compared to the lean hybrid pigs. In accordance with higher adiposity, Krškopolje pigs exhibited higher expression of genes involved in lipogenesis (ACACA, FASN), adipogenesis (PPARγ) and energy homeostasis (LEP) than lean hybrid pigs. Regarding the sex effect in Krškopolje pigs, females exhibited higher lipogenic enzyme activities than surgically castrated males, while no significant differences were observed for fat quantity and quality traits or gene expression. In conclusion, Krškopolje pigs are characterised by a higher fat deposition associated with higher SFA and MUFA content, a higher expression of genes involved in lipogenesis, and lower activity of lipogenic enzymes compared to lean-type hybrid pigs.

SNP discovery and association study for growth, fatness and meat quality traits in Iberian crossbred pigs

Iberian pigs and its crosses are produced to obtain high-quality meat products. The objective of this work was to evaluate a wide panel of DNA markers, selected by biological and functional criteria, for association with traits related to muscle growth, fatness, meat quality and metabolism. We used 18 crossbred Iberian pigs with divergent postnatal growth patterns for whole genome sequencing and SNP discovery, with over 13 million variants being detected. We selected 1023 missense SNPs located on annotated genes and showing different allele frequencies between pigs with makerdly different growth patterns. We complemented this panel with 192 candidate SNPs obtained from literature mining and from muscle RNAseq data. The selected markers were genotyped in 480 Iberian × Duroc pigs from a commercial population, in which phenotypes were obtained, and an association study was performed for the 1005 successfully genotyped SNPs showing segregation. The results confirmed the effects of several known SNPs in candidate genes (such as LEPR, ACACA, FTO, LIPE or SCD on fatness, growth and fatty acid composition) and also disclosed interesting effects of new SNPs in less known genes such as LRIG3, DENND1B, SOWAHB, EPHX1 or NFE2L2 affecting body weight, average daily gain and adiposity at different ages, or KRT10, NLE1, KCNH2 or AHNAK affecting fatness and FA composition. The results provide a valuable basis for future implementation of marker-assisted selection strategies in swine and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of relevant traits.

PORK QUALITY AND GENETIC ASSOCIATION STUDY OF PORCINE LEPTIN AND CATHEPSIN F GENE POLYMORPHISMS

This study aims to assess the quality of raw pork intended for further processing, and also to analyse associations of genotypes, determined by single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in leptin (LEP g.2845 A > T) and cathepsin (CTSF g.22 C ≤ G ) genes, with meat and fat quality traits.
 Meat and fat products as raw materials for further processing, produced from pigs of French origin bred on the pig farm “Artsyz Meat Company Ltd” located in Artsyz district of Odesa region, are considered as the object of this study. The total number of pigs used to perform DNA analysis is 350 heads. DNA tests and physicochemical analyses of meat and fat products were conducted at the research laboratory of the Institute of Pig Breeding and Agricultural Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in Poltava. Genomic DNA was extracted from pig bristle using the Chelex 100 ion exchange resin. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping. Fattening pigs were assessed for leptin (LEP g.2845) and cathepsin F (CTSF g.22) genes. Upon the young stock’s reaching the target live weight of 100 kg, 60 pigs in each group genotyped for the target genes were slaughtered using conventional methods. The results of genetic tests and association studies performed have shown that leptin and cathepsin F gene polymorphisms produce an effect on particular pork and backfat quality attributes.
 Statistically significant associations of the genetic marker LEP SNP g.2845 A > T with the investigated quality attributes of meat and fat products, in particular water-holding capacity, meat tenderness, intramuscular fat content, backfat moisture content and melting point, have been detected. Meanwhile, the genetic marker CTSF SNP g.22 C ≤ G is found to be associated with such pork quality attributes as water-holding capacity, tenderness, weight loss during thermal processing (cooking loss), intramuscular fat content, calcium and phosphorus levels, and energy value.

Differential DNA methylation analysis reveals key genes in Chinese Qingyu and Landrace pigs.

The Chinese Qingyu pig is a typical domestic fatty pig breed and an invaluable indigenous genetic resource in China. Compared with the Landrace pig, the Qingyu pig has unique meat characteristics, including muscle development, intramuscular fat, and other meat quality traits. At present, few studies have explored epigenetic differences due to DNA methylation between the Qingyu pig and the Landrace pig. In this study, 30 Qingyu pigs and 31 Landrace pigs were subjected to reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Genome-wide differential DNA methylation analysis was conducted. Six genomic regions, including regions on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 1: 266.09-274.23 Mb, SSC5: 0.88-10.68 Mb, SSC8: 41.23-48.51 Mb, SSC12: 45.43-54.38 Mb, SSC13: 202.15-207.95 Mb, and SSC14: 126.43-139.85 Mb, were regarded as key regions that may be associated with phenotypic differences between the Qingyu pig and the Landrace pig. Furthermore, according to further analysis, five differentially methylated genes (ADCY1, FUBP3, GRIN2B, KIT, and PIK3R6) were identified as key candidate genes that might be associated with meat characteristics. Our findings provide new insights into the differences in DNA methylation between the Qingyu pig and the Landrace pig. These results enrich the epigenetic research of the Chinese Qingyu pig.

Sire-feed interactions for fattening performance and meat quality traits in growing-finishing pigs under a conventional and an organic feeding regimen

In a two-factorial feeding trial 120 growing-finishing pigs from eleven sires were fed on an organic (ORG) or a conventional (CON) diet. Diet ORG contained mainly oil press cakes and legume grains as protein source containing higher protein and crude fiber content along with slight deficiencies of limiting amino acids. Pigs were allocated to treatments balanced according to litter, sex and initial weight. Feed was offered ad libitum. Feed consumption, weight gain as well as carcass, meat and fat quality traits were recorded. ORG fed animals had lower weight gain, poorer feed conversion, lower loin muscle area, higher intramuscular fat content, higher ultimate pH (loin, ham), and a higher PUFA content in backfat. Despite for cook loss and dressing percentage, no sire-feed interactions were found. This indicates no need for a performance test, specifically designed for organic production. However, weight of the breeding values for the various traits and selection criteria should be adapted to the needs of organic production.

Associations between gene polymorphisms and selected meat traits in cattle - A review.

Maintaining a high level of beef consumption requires paying attention not only to quantitative traits but also to the quality and dietary properties of meat. Growing consumer demands do not leave producers many options for how animals are selected for breeding and animal keeping. Meat and carcass fatness quality traits, which are influenced by multiple genes, are economically important in beef cattle breeding programs. The recent availability of genome sequencing methods and many previously identified molecular markers offer new opportunities for animal breeding, including the use of molecular information in selection programs. Many gene polymorphisms have thus far been analyzed and evaluated as potential candidates for molecular markers of meat quality traits. Knowledge of these markers can be further applied to breeding programs through marker-assisted selection. In this literature review, we discuss the most promising and well-described candidates and their associations with selected beef production traits.

Portuguese Local Pig Breeds: Genotype Effects on Meat and Fat Quality Traits.

Simple SummaryLocal breeds are generally associated with slower growth rates, higher slaughter weights, and fatter carcasses due to genetic and rearing system characteristics. When compared to intensive pig production systems, those based on European local breeds generally provide a more favourable response to the required increase in the production of high-quality pork and pork products in sustainable chains, meeting consumer demands. Reducing costs and improving the economic viability of production systems while preserving the quality of the products obtained is of vital importance. In this work, we propose that Portuguese local pig production chains could improve their performance and productivity without compromising the quality of the final product by crossing local breeds instead of crossing with modern breeds. This could help to maintain or increase local breed populations, supporting conservation of animal biodiversity.This work investigated the contribution of cross-breeding between two local Portuguese pig breeds to the conservation of animal biodiversity and income of local pig producers. Quality traits of semimembranosus (SM), gluteus medius (GM) and dorsal subcutaneous fat (DSF) were studied in Alentejano (AL), Bísaro (BI), AL × BI, and BI × AL (Ribatejano—RI) castrated male pigs. Pigs were reared outdoors, fed ad libitum, and slaughtered at ~65 (trial 1) and 150 kg BW (trial 2). In trial 1, AL pigs showed higher SM intramuscular fat, lower total collagen, and higher soluble collagen than BI pigs, while AL × BI and BI × AL pigs showed intermediate (NS) values. AL, AL × BI, and BI × AL pigs showed higher SM myoglobin content, and AL a more intense red colour than BI pigs. Finally, AL, AL × BI, and BI × AL showed higher total lipids in DSF than BI pigs. In trial 2, SM and DSF results were similar to those obtained in trial 1. In GM, AL and BI × AL showed higher intramuscular fat than BI and AL × BI pigs, while AL, AL × BI and BI × AL showed lower total collagen content than BI pigs. In conclusion, these results suggest that RI crosses are a productive alternative, with overall muscle and DSF traits statistically not different between AL × BI and BI × AL, and similar to those observed in AL pigs.

Effect of immunocastration and housing conditions on pig carcass and meat quality traits.

The present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P < 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P < 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P < 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P < 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P < 0.05) oleic and higher (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.

Correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality indexes in finishing Simmental×Luxi bulls fed high-concentrate diets.

Circulating leptin concentrations could potentially be used as a predictor of production traits in cattle. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality indexes in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets (concentrate-to-forage ratio 70:30). Fifty-seven Simmental×Luxi F1 crossbred bulls were used for 112-day finishing experiment. Circulating leptin concentrations and relevant indexes of growth performance, and carcass traits and meat quality were measured during or after finishing trail. The results indicated that the leptin concentrations tended to be negatively correlated with dry matter intake (DMI) (r = -.233, p=.081), and were positively correlated with 12th-rib fat thickness (r=.330, p=.012), marbling score (r=.336, p=.011), and intramuscular fat content (r=.368, p=.021). Moreover, the leptin concentrations were negatively correlated with cholesterol content (r = -.339, p=.037) and were not correlated with sensory indexes including tenderness, juiciness, and like flavor (p>.05). In conclusion, circulating leptin concentrations may potentially be used as a predictor of carcass traits related to content of fat and beef quality traits related to content of cholesterol in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets.

Potential Functional Variants for Fatness, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Exon 3 of Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene in Indonesian Ducks

Potential Functional Variants for Fatness, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Exon 3 of Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene in Indonesian Ducks

Programa de selección genética enfocada en la calidad de cerdos Ibéricos puros de montanera

Selection programs are not frequent in the extensive Iberian porcine sector. The traditional company of Iberian pig products located in Jabugo (Sierra de Huelva), Sanchez Romero Carvajal (SRC), with the collaboration and assessment of the Animal Breeding Department of INIA, is making since the year 2012 an unusual effort to develop and implement a breeding selection scheme focused on the Iberian purebred products labelled as Bellota. The animals involved in this program belong to one herd which is placed in two different farms, Montecastilla and Tejarejo (La Granada de Riotinto). 1,205 animals of known pedigree were controlled for selection of growth, body composition, meat and fat quality traits. The main registered traits were average daily gain in montanera, slaughter and carcass weight and weight of premium cuts (ham, shoulders and loins). Besides, backfat fatty acid profile and quality traits as intramuscular fat percentage, color, thawing and cooking water loss and shear force were measured in loin as quality traits. Breeding values for these traits were estimated using an Animal model. Genetic predictions for maternal traits (number of piglets born alive and litter weight at weaning) were performed also using Animal models. Data from 5,134 litters born in 88 batches of 1456 dams and 22 sires were used. This information allowed estimating heritability and genetic correlation as well as to build a combined index for each trait weighting the breeding values by their corresponding economic values. In addition to this, molecular genetic studies on some of the traits cited above are also being implemented. These studies will allow increasing the efficiency of the conventional selection program in the future.

A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of skeletal muscles in two Polish pig breeds differing in fat and meat quality traits.

Pork is the most popular meat in the world. Unfortunately, the selection pressure focused on high meat content led to a reduction in pork quality. The present study used RNA-seq technology to identify metabolic process genes related to pork quality traits and fat deposition. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between pigs of Pulawska and Polish Landrace breeds for two the most important muscles (semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi). A total of 71 significant DEGs were reported: 15 for longissimus dorsi and 56 for semimembranosus muscles. The genes overexpressed in Pulawska pigs were involved in lipid metabolism (APOD, LXRA, LIPE, AP2B1, ENSSSCG00000028753 and OAS2) and proteolysis (CST6, CTSD, ISG15 and UCHL1). In Polish Landrace pigs, genes playing a role in biological adhesion (KIT, VCAN, HES1, SFRP2, CDH11, SSX2IP and PCDH17), actin cytoskeletal organisation (FRMD6, LIMK1, KIF23 and CNN1) and calcium ion binding (PVALB, CIB2, PCDH17, VCAN and CDH11) were transcriptionally more active. The present study allows for better understanding of the physiological processes associated with lipid metabolism and muscle fiber organization. This information could be helpful in further research aiming to estimate the genetic markers.

Meat and fat quality traits of grazing steers supplemented with corn grain and increasing amounts of flaxseed

To evaluate the effect of corn and flaxseed supplementation at finishing on longissimus thoracis color and shear-force and on subcutaneous fat color, forty-eight angus steers were assigned to four dietary treatments (DIET): no-supplement, supplemented with 0.7% live weight (LW) of cracked corn grain plus 0.0%, 0.125% and 0.25% LW of whole flaxseed in two finishing trials (Trial-1, early spring and Trial-2, late spring). None of the evaluated variables were affected by DIET in either trial, nor in a combined statistical analysis of the pooled data. The lack of DIET effect observed on muscle color and shear-force, are in agreement with the similar longissimus muscle pH@45min, temp@45min, pH@24h, and glycogen content at slaughter observed between DIET. Lack of shear force difference between supplementation treatments is in agreement with their similar muscle sarcomere length, total and soluble collagen content and proportion of intact troponin-T. Subcutaneous fat color was also similar between supplementation treatments. Corn or flaxseed supplementation of steers grazing a high-quality pasture did not improve meat or subcutaneous fat color and meat shear force.

Study of bovine gene: the temporal-spatial expression patterns, polymorphism and association analysis with meat production traits.

The gene () encodes a transcription factor belonging to the MEF2 family that plays an important role in myogenesis by transcriptional regulation of genes involved in skeletal muscle growth and development. Despite the established importance of the factors in the muscular growth and development, the temporal-spatial expression and biological function of have not been reported in cattle. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of expression in the developing longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) of 4 cattle breeds (Polish Holstein-Friesian [HF], Limousine [LIM], Hereford [HER], Polish Red [PR]), differing in terms of meat production and utility type, at 6, 9, and 12 mo of age. The genetic polymorphism and expression patterns in 6 tissues (heart, spleen, liver, semitendinosus muscle [ST], gluteus medius muscle [GM], and LM) were also investigated. The results showed that mRNA was expressed at a high level in adult skeletal and cardiac muscles. Moreover, expression was markedly greater in the GM than in the LM ( 0.05) and ST ( 0.01). An age-dependent and breed-specific comparison of mRNA level in skeletal muscle of HF, LIM, HER, and PR bulls showed that age was significant differentiating factor of transcript/protein abundance in the LM of HER and LIM ( 0.001) compared to HF and PR, for which the differences in mRNA level were not significant ( > 0.05). Regarding the breed effect on the expression, significantly greater mRNA/protein level was noticed in the LM of 9 and 12 mo-old HER than of LIM ( 0.01), HF ( 0.001), and PR ( 0.001). Four novel SNP, namely, (promoter), (exon 7), (exon 8), and (3'UTR), were identified. We found that 3'UTR variant, situated within the seed region of the miR-5187-3p and miR-6931-5p binding sites, was associated with the level of mRNA/protein in LM of 12-mo-old HF bulls. In addition, we observed a significant association between some carcass quality traits, including meat and carcass fatness quality traits, and various 3'UTR genotypes in the investigated population of HF cattle. Our finding provides new evidence of the significant role in the postnatal muscle growth and development in cattle, and indicates that can be a promising molecular marker for carcass quality-related traits in adult cattle.

P5063 The effect of the IGF2 gene on pork and fat quality traits in two populations of the South African Landrace and Large White pig breeds

P5063 The effect of the IGF2 gene on pork and fat quality traits in two populations of the South African Landrace and Large White pig breeds

P5063 The effect of the IGF2 gene on pork and fat quality traits in two populations of the South African Landrace and Large White pig breeds

P5063 The effect of the IGF2 gene on pork and fat quality traits in two populations of the South African Landrace and Large White pig breeds

Effect of different feeding systems on the fattening performance, slaughter-carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs

The aim of the study was to find out the effect of different feeding systems on the fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Norduz male lambs. Lambs were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 each, as follows: 2M (2 meals/day), 4M (4 meals/day) and SF (self-feeder). Then, lambs were fed according to these regimes for 70 days to determine the feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage, carcass fatness and meat quality traits such as pH, color and water holding capacity. Although live weights and daily weight gains were found to be similar among the groups, significant differences were found in the daily feed intake (2M: 1.53 kg; 4M: 1.70 kg; SF: 1.89 kg) among groups (p&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed in slaughter and carcass characteristics except dressing percentage (2M: 49.69%; 4M: 50.59%; SF: 48.46%). Meat quality traits were also similar among groups, except for pH24h (2M: 5.77; 4M: 5.95; SF: 6.10) (p&lt;0.01).

Genomic prediction of weight and wool traits in a multi-breed sheep population

The objective of this study was to predict the accuracy of genomic prediction for 26 traits, including weight, muscle, fat, and wool quantity and quality traits, in Australian sheep based on a large, multi-breed reference population. The reference population consisted of two research flocks, with the main breeds being Merino, Border Leicester (BL), Poll Dorset (PD), and White Suffolk (WS). The genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) was based on GBLUP (genomic best linear unbiased prediction), applying a genomic relationship matrix calculated from the 50K Ovine SNP chip marker genotypes. The accuracy of GEBV was evaluated as the Pearson correlation coefficient between GEBV and accurate estimated breeding value based on progeny records in a set of genotyped industry animals. The accuracies of weight traits were relatively low to moderate in PD and WS breeds (0.11–0.27) and moderate to relatively high in BL and Merino (0.25–0.63). The accuracy of muscle and fat traits was moderate to relatively high across all breeds (between 0.21 and 0.55). The accuracy of GEBV of yearling and adult wool traits in Merino was, on average, high (0.33–0.75). The results showed the accuracy of genomic prediction depends on trait heritability and the effective size of the reference population, whereas the observed GEBV accuracies were more related to the breed proportions in the multi-breed reference population. No extra gain in within-breed GEBV accuracy was observed based on across breed information. More investigations are required to determine the precise effect of across-breed information on within-breed genomic prediction.

Analysis of Association Between a Microsatellite at Intron 1 of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) Gene and Fat Deposition, Meat Production and Quality Traits in Italian Large White and Italian Duroc Pigs

A few studies have shown that a microsatellite at intron 1 of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene is associated with several production traits in a few pig populations. In the current work we evaluated associations between this microsatellite and production traits in Italian Large White and Italian Duroc pigs. Association studies were carried out on a total of 1120 animals using two experimental designs: i) a selective genotyping approach based on extreme and divergent Italian Large White pigs for back fat thickness (BFT) estimated breeding value (EBV) or on extreme and divergent Italian Duroc pigs for visible intermuscular fat (VIF) EBV; and ii) analysis of unselected pigs (random groups) coming from populations of the two breeds. Allele distributions between Italian Large White and Italian Duroc pigs were different (P<0.05) with longer alleles being more frequent in Italian Large White. Results of the association analyses from two different random groups showed that this marker affects average daily gain EBV, lean cut EBV and BFT EBV in Italian Large White and BFT EBV in Italian Duroc (P<0.05). Association analysis carried out with random residuals confirmed, to some extent (P=0.096), the effects on BFT in the same animals. However, this result was not confirmed in the two extreme and divergent Italian Large White groups used in the selective genotyping experiment. These inconsistent results may indicate that the effect of the IGF1 microsatellite is doubtful in the investigated finishing pigs.