Higher Intramuscular Fat Content Research Articles

Emotional responses to the consumption of dry-cured hams by Spanish consumers: A temporal approach

The objective of this study was to describe for the first time the emotional responses during the consumption of three types of Spanish dry-cured hams, namely, ‘Iberian’, ‘Serrano’ and ‘Curado’. Moreover, dynamic sensory techniques such as Temporal Dominance of Emotions and Temporal Dominance of Sensations were applied to identify the dominant emotions and sensory attributes perceived during ham consumption. >50 emotional terms were generated during sample consumption including positive, negative and neutral terms. Noticeable differences were detected among the three types of dry-cured ham for their emotional profiles. The most dominant emotions evoked by Iberian dry-cured hams were “intense”, “authentic” and “pleasant” and could be associated with the domination of cured flavour and juiciness, with both attributes being closely related to their high intramuscular fat content. However, in Serrano and Curado dry-cured hams, the domination of saltiness attribute seemed to contribute to evoking negative emotions as “ordinary”, “indifferent” and “dissatisfied”. Finally, high duration of the domination of positive emotions as “desirable”, “intense”, “pleasant” and “authentic” contributed to high overall liking scores.

Genome-wide association study for intramuscular fat content in Chinese Lulai black pigs.

ObjectiveIntramuscular fat (IMF) content plays an important role in meat quality. Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes related to pig IMF, especially using pig populations with high IMF content variation, can help to establish novel molecular breeding tools for optimizing IMF in pork and unveil the mechanisms that underlie fat metabolism.MethodsWe collected muscle samples of 453 Chinese Lulai black pigs, measured IMF content by Soxhlet petroleum-ether extraction method, and genotyped genome-wide SNPs using GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Porcine HD BeadChip. Then a genome-wide association study was performed using a linear mixed model implemented in the GEMMA software.ResultsA total of 43 SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with IMF content by the cutoff p<0.001. Among these significant SNPs, the greatest number of SNPs (n = 19) were detected on Chr.9, and two linkage disequilibrium blocks were formed among them. Additionally, 17 significant SNPs are mapped to previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of IMF and confirmed previous QTLs studies. Forty-two annotated genes centering these significant SNPs were obtained from Ensembl database. Overrepresentation test of pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms revealed some enriched reactome pathways and GO terms, which mainly involved regulation of basic material transport, energy metabolic process and signaling pathway.ConclusionThese findings improve our understanding of the genetic architecture of IMF content in pork and facilitate the follow-up study of fine-mapping genes that influence fat deposition in muscle.

The effect of DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars in crossbred with DanAvl Hybrid on meat quality of finishing pigs

The research was aimed at determining the physicochemical and sensory properties of the m. longissimus lumborum at DanAvl Hybrid (Landrace – Yorkshire) fatteners and derived from DanAvl Hybrid sows and DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars. Fatteners derived from DanAvl Duroc boars were characterized by better meat quality compared to DanAvl Hybrids and their hybrids with Pulawska breed as evidenced by higher pH in 24–96 h post mortem (p.m.), higher sensory evaluation of juiciness, tenderness and flavor as well as lower shear force at lower content of total protein and higher content of intramuscular fat (IMF). However, DanAvl Hybrid fatteners were characterized by poorer meat quality, i.e. higher color lightness (L*) and higher drip loss both from fresh and thawed meat compared to those derived from DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars. Meat of fatteners after Pulawska breed was characterized by the highest redness (a*), and that after DanAvl Duroc breed, the lowest yellowness (b*) and saturation (C*).

Growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Chinese indigenous Yanan pig crossbred with Duroc and Berkshire genotypes

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of crossbreeding on the growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Chinese native Yanan (YN) pig breed and related crossbreeds, including Duroc × Yanan (DY) and Duroc × (Berkshire × Yanan) (DBY). In total, 60 pigs (20 per breed) were used in the study. The results showed that both crossbreeds, especially DBY pigs, exhibited improved growth and carcass characteristics compared with those of purebred YN pigs. Moreover, the two crossbreeds, especially DBY pigs, produced acceptable meat-quality characteristics (normal pH and meat-colour values, high intramuscular fat content and water-holding capacity, acceptable muscle-fibre parameters, and strong pork flavour) similar to those of YN pigs. M. longissimus lumborum contained eight essential amino acids, with high contents in all pigs. C18:1, C16:0, C18:0, and C18:2 were the main fatty acids in M. longissimus lumborum in the three breeds, and a polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio of ~0.2 was observed in DBY and YN pigs. These results indicated that DBY pigs exhibit an acceptable total production performance and could be extensively used in commercial pig production to provide high-quality niche products.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian × Hereford cattle of different sex categories and slaughter ages

Abstract. When dairy cattle production predominates, the quantity and quality of beef can be increased through commercial crossing of beef bulls with dairy cows and creating herds for the purpose of beef production. This experiment was conducted to compare carcass traits in young bulls and steers, produced by crossing Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows with Hereford (HH) bulls and slaughtered at 15 and 18 months of age. One half of 32 young bulls were castrated at 2 or 3 weeks of age. Starting at 7 months of age, they received grass silage supplemented with concentrates. At the end of the fattening period, the animals were slaughtered, carcass quality and the quality of meat from m. longissimus thoracis were evaluated. It was found that unlike steers, bulls can be slaughtered at a later age because their carcass traits improved over time and carcass fat content increased only insignificantly. Meat from steers had higher intramuscular fat content (1.20 and 2.35 % in bulls and steers slaughtered at 15 months of age, respectively; 1.89 and 3.79 % in bulls and steers slaughtered at 18 months of age, respectively), it was tenderer and juicier than meat from bulls, and its sensory quality improved with age. The intramuscular fat (IMF) of steers was characterized by a more desirable n-6 ∕ n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio, whereas the IMF of bulls had higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid and n-3 PUFAs. Beef from steers is a good choice for consumers who appreciate high-quality meat. The results of this study may encourage producers to raise steers for beef.

Expression and effect of Calpain9 gene genetic polymorphism on slaughter indicators and intramuscular fat content in chickens.

Calpain 9 (CAPN9) is expressed in the stomach and small intestine. CAPN9 has regulatory roles in hypertension, heart disease, gastric mucosal defense, and kidney disease. The involvement of CAPN9 has not been reported in the development of chickens. CAPN9 mRNA was found in adipose and muscle tissue in this study. Two linkage single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; G7518A and C7542G) in intron 4 were screened from 160 birds of the D2 chicken line. The 2 mutation sites were associated with carcass weight, evisceration weight, abdominal fat weight (AFW), abdominal fat percentage (AFP), and breast muscle percentage (all P < 0.05). Intramuscular fat (IMF) content was not significantly different in the 3 genotypes. But, the AA(7518)/GG(7542) genotype had the highest IMF content, highest breast muscle weight, and lower AFW and AFP. Moreover, the mRNA level of CAPN9 in abdominal fat tissue was significantly different (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) between any 2 genotypes, consistent with AFW and AFP. In summary, the expression of CAPN9 in adipose and breast muscle tissue is reported for the first time. CAPN9 affected production performance of chickens. As a marker, the linkage G7518A and C7542G polymorphisms in intron 4 of CAPN9 could affect the production traits by regulating mRNA expression. The findings concerning the marker enrich the theoretical foundation for molecular breeding of high-quality broilers.

Genetic, management, and nutritional factors affecting intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle - A review.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content in skeletal muscle including the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM), also known as marbling fat, is one of the most important factors determining beef quality in several countries including Korea, Japan, Australia, and the United States. Genetics and breed, management, and nutrition affect IMF deposition. Japanese Black cattle breed has the highest IMF content in the world, and Korean cattle (also called Hanwoo) the second highest. Here, we review results of research on genetic factors (breed and sex differences and heritability) that affect IMF deposition. Cattle management factors are also important for IMF deposition. Castration of bulls increases IMF deposition in most cattle breeds. The effects of several management factors, including weaning age, castration, slaughter weight and age, and environmental conditions on IMF deposition are also reviewed. Nutritional factors, including fat metabolism, digestion and absorption of feed, glucose/starch availability, and vitamin A, D, and C levels are important for IMF deposition. Manipulating IMF deposition through developmental programming via metabolic imprinting is a recently proposed nutritional method to change potential IMF deposition during the fetal and neonatal periods in rodents and domestic animals. Application of fetal nutritional programming to increase IMF deposition of progeny in later life is reviewed. The coordination of several factors affects IMF deposition. Thus, a combination of several strategies may be needed to manipulate IMF deposition, depending on the consumer’s beef preference. In particular, stage-specific feeding programs with concentrate-based diets developed by Japan and Korea are described in this article.

Physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes of meat from heavy-weight Iberian and F1 Large White × Landrace pigs finished intensively or in free-range conditions.

Iberian (IB, n = 60) and crossbred Large White × Landrace (F1, n = 58) pigs were slaughtered at 160 kg, after finishing under intensive conditions or on pasture and acorns. The study was carried out as a factorial arrangement of treatments, and physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of meat were assessed in Longissimus thoracis samples. Physical characteristics included the assessment of drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and color coordinates in meat samples processed at 2 and 9 d postmortem. The interactions of genetic group and finishing system were significant (P < 0.05) for cooking loss in meat aged for 9 d and for sensorial tenderness and global acceptability of meat, but none of the other physicochemical, color coordinates, and sensory variables analyzed showed a significant interaction. Genetic group was the main factor influencing the variables analyzed, with a major (P < 0.01) influence on all meat physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes. Relative to F1 pigs, the IB produced meat with higher intramuscular fat content and marbling score, more appealing color coordinates, lower shear force, and higher sensorial tenderness. The finishing systems affected (P < 0.05) most physical characteristics, but not chemical composition of meat and their impact on sensory properties was small. The tenderness, juiciness, and global acceptability of meat were much higher in IB pigs, and flavor was also more desirable, but the difference was smaller. The differences in sensory properties between meats originating from the two genetic groups were largely explained by the higher fat deposition in IB pigs, such that a higher level of marbling was positively associated with all the sensory attributes evaluated. Ageing meat for up to 9 d postmortem benefited pork quality, improving meat tenderness, and color, particularly in crossbred pigs and those finished intensively.

Multivariate genome-wide association studies on tenderness of Berkshire and Duroc pig breeds.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been steadily used for identification of genomic links to disease and various economical traits. Of those traits, a tenderness of pork is one of the most important factors in quality evaluation of consumers. In this study, we use two pig breed populations; Berkshire is known for its excellent meat quality and Duroc which is known for its high intramuscular fat content in meat. Multivariate genome-wide association studies (MV-GWAS) was executed to compare SNPs of two pigs to find out what genetic variants occur the tenderness of pork. Through MV-GWAS, we have identified candidate genes and the association of biological pathways involved in the tenderness of pork. From these direct and indirect associations, we displayed the usefulness of simple statistical models and their potential contribution to improving the meat quality of pork. We identified a candidate gene related to the tenderness in only Berkshire. Furthermore, several of the biological pathways involved in tenderness in both Berkshire and Duroc were found. The candidate genes identified in this study will be helpful to use them in breeding programs for improving pork quality.

Integrated Analysis of MiRNA and Genes Associated with Meat Quality Reveals that Gga-MiR-140-5p Affects Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Chickens

Background/Aims: Poultry meat quality is affected by many factors, among which intramuscular fat (IMF) is predominant. IMF content affects the tenderness, juiciness, and favor of chicken. An increasing number of studies are focusing on the functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) during the adipogenic process. However, little is known about miRNAs associated with poultry IMF deposition, especially intramuscular adipocyte differentiation. Methods: The IMF content of two physiological stages was measured, and miRNA-Seq and RNA-Seq data were integrated and analyzed. A chicken intramuscular adipocyte cell differentiation model was constructed. A luciferase reporter assay, miRNA overexpression, and Oil Red O staining were used to confirm the targets of gga-miR-140-5p. Results: Our results showed that late-laying-period hens, which had a higher IMF content, exhibited lower global expression levels of miRNAs than juvenile hens. A total of 104 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified between the two groups. Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and DE miRNAs identified a total of 378 miRNA-mRNA pairs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these intersecting genes are involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation and degradation pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrated that gga-miR-140-5p promoted intramuscular adipocyte differentiation via targeting retinoid X receptor gamma. Conclusion: Our findings may contribute to a more thorough understanding of chicken IMF deposition and the improvement of poultry meat quality.

Lower Expression of SLC27A1 Enhances Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Chicken via Down-Regulated Fatty Acid Oxidation Mediated by CPT1A.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is recognized as the predominant factor affecting meat quality due to its positive correlation with tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Chicken IMF deposition depends on the balance among lipid synthesis, transport, uptake, and subsequent metabolism, involving a lot of genes and pathways, however, its precise molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, the breast muscle tissue of female Wenchang chickens (WC) (higher IMF content, 1.24 in D120 and 1.62 in D180) and female White Recessive Rock chickens (WRR; lower IMF content, 0.53 in D120 and 0.90 in D180) were subjected to RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. Results showed that many genes related to lipid catabolism, such as SLC27A1, LPL, ABCA1, and CPT1A were down-regulated in WC chickens, and these genes were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway and formed an IPA® network related to lipid metabolism. Furthermore, SLC27A1 was more down-regulated in WRR.D180.B than in WRR.D120.B. Decreased cellular triglyceride (TG) and up-regulated CPT1A were observed in the SLC27A1 overexpression QM-7 cells, and increased cellular triglyceride (TG) and down-regulated CPT1A were observed in the SLC27A1 knockdown QM-7 cells. These results suggest that lower lipid catabolism exists in WC chickens but not in WRR chickens, and lower expression of SLC27A1 facilitate IMF deposition in chicken via down-regulated fatty acid oxidation mediated by CPT1A. These findings indicate that reduced lipid catabolism, rather than increased lipid anabolism, contributes to chicken IMF deposition.

Integrating genome and transcriptome profiling for elucidating the mechanism of muscle growth and lipid deposition in Pekin ducks

Muscle growth and lipid deposition are co-ordinately regulated processes. Cherry Valley Pekin duck is a lean-type duck breed with high growth rate, whereas the native Pekin duck of China has high lipid deposition. Phenotypic analysis showed that native Pekin ducks have smaller fibre diameter and larger density in the breast muscle at 3 weeks of age and higher intramuscular fat content at 6 weeks of age than those in Cherry Valley Pekin ducks. We detected 17 positively selected genes (PSGs) by comparing genes mainly involved with muscle organ development, muscle contraction, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signalling pathway, and fatty acid metabolism. In all, 52 and 206 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in transcriptomic comparisons between the two breeds at 3 and 6 weeks of age, respectively, which could potentially affect muscle growth and lipid deposition. Based on the integration of PSGs and DEGs and their functional annotations, we found that 11 and 10 genes were correlated with muscle growth and lipid deposition, respectively. Identification of candidate genes controlling quantitative traits of duck muscle might aid in elucidating the mechanisms of muscle growth and lipid deposition and could help in improving duck breeding.

Multivariate analysis of muscle fiber characteristics, intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition in porcine longissimus thoracis muscle

Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to investigate the relationship between muscle fiber characteristics, intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition in the porcine longissimus thoracis muscle. The cluster with the highest IMF content had the highest saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and muscle fiber characteristics of type I (P<0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) showed positive correlations with the cross-sectional area and relative area of type IIB and the relative number of fiber type IIA in the HCA and PCA results. Therefore, porcine muscle with a high density, relative area and cross-sectional area of type I was found to have a high content of IMF, SFAs and MUFAs, whereas in the case of a large cross-sectional area and relative area of type IIB, the proportion of PUFAs increased. These findings lead to a better understand of different fatty acid compositions in skeletal muscles which have different metabolic and contractile properties.

Three-dimensional comparison of intramuscular fat content between young and old adults

BackgroundFat infiltration within skeletal muscle is known as intramuscular fat (IMF), which increases with aging. Studies have assessed IMF content, using the mid-thigh as a representative location. However, three-dimensional IMF distribution is not well understood. The aim of this study was to compare the IMF content in young and old adults by assessing its distribution along the length of the thigh.MethodsConsecutive transaxial images of the right thighs in 15 young (age, 21.0 ± 0.4) and 15 old (age, 70.7 ± 3.8) were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging. We measured IMF cross-sectional area (CSA), skeletal muscle CSA and calculated volume- and CSA-based IMF content for the quadriceps femoris (QF), hamstring (HM) and adductor (AD). CSA-based calculations were performed at every 10% of femur length (Lf), with 0% Lf and 100% Lf indicating the proximal and distal ends of femur.ResultsIMF CSAs along the length of the thigh were similar in both age groups. In contrast, skeletal muscle CSAs in all three muscle groups were significantly lower in old adults than in young adults (variation: −15.2 to −1.6 cm2, P < 0.05). Thus, in volume-based measurements, the older adults had higher IMF contents than the younger adults (9.5% to 14.3% vs. 4.8% to 8.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). However, such age-dependent differences were not observed at the mid-thigh in the QF and AD.ConclusionThe results demonstrated an age-related increase in IMF content—confirmed in areas of the thigh—primarily based on finding lower amounts of skeletal muscle mass in CSAs in the older adults.

Reduced protein diets increase intramuscular fat of psoas major, a red muscle, in lean and fatty pig genotypes

The present study aims to assess the effects of pig’s genotype (lean v. fatty) and dietary protein level (control v. reduced) on intramuscular fat (IMF) content, fatty acid composition and fibre profile of psoas major, a representative red muscle in pig’s carcass scarcely studied relative to white longissimus lumborum. The experiment was conducted on 40 intact male pigs (20 Alentejana purebred and 20 Large White×Landrace×Pietrain crossbred) from 60 to 93 kg of live weight. Pigs were divided and allocated to four dietary groups: control protein diet equilibrated for lysine (17.5% of CP and 0.7% of lysine) and reduced protein diet (RPD) not equilibrated for lysine (13.1% of crude protein and 0.4% of lysine) within a 2×2 factorial arrangement (two genotypes and two diets). Alentejana purebred had higher IMF content (15.7%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (8.9%), whereas crossbred pigs had higher PM weight (46.3%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (20.1%). The genotype also affected colour with higher lightness (15.1%) and yellowness (33.8%) and lower redness (9.9%) scores in crossbred pigs. In line with this, fatty pigs displayed more oxidative fibres (29.5%), whilst lean pigs had more glycolytic (54.4%). Relative to fatty acids, RPD increased MUFA (5.2%) and SFA (3.2%) but decreased PUFA (14.8%). Ultimately, RPD increased IMF content (15.7%) in the red muscle under study, with no impact on glycolytic to oxidative fibre type transformation.

Increased expression of thyroid hormone responsive protein (THRSP) is the result but not the cause of higher intramuscular fat content in cattle.

Thyroid hormone responsive protein (THRSP) is known to be involved in lipogenic processes in rodents. In cattle, THRSP could be a potential molecular marker for intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition since mRNA abundance was frequently found to be increased in skeletal muscle with high IMF content compared to those with low IMF. The aim of this study was to elucidate the background of this differential expression and to evaluate the role of THRSP as candidate for increased IMF content in cattle. By combination of mRNA and protein analyses, we could demonstrate that THRSP is present mainly in nuclei of adipose tissue, in intramuscular fat cells and associated cells, and in cells of the portal triad of liver, whereas muscle cells did not express THRSP. Cell culture analyses revealed furthermore that THRSP is expressed in mature adipocytes rather than in early stages of adipogenesis. Collectively, our data support the putative role of THRSP as transcriptional regulator and demonstrate that an increased expression of THRSP in M. longissimus is a consequence of but not the reason for a higher number of intramuscular adipocytes in cattle with enhanced IMF deposition.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in longissimus muscle of pigs with high and low intramuscular fat content using RNA sequencing.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pork is an important element of consumer preference and is positively correlated with meat quality, including tenderness and juiciness. With advances in RNA sequencing technologies, transcriptome-related differences can be associated with specific traits in animals. The objective of this study was to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to IMF content in porcine longissimus muscle using RNA sequencing. A total of 107 Berkshire pigs were used for IMF content measurements, and significant differences between extremely high (H, n=3) and low (L, n=3) IMF content groups were found (P<0.0001). From multi-dimensional scaling analyses, it was observed that the relationships between H and L groups were similar to each other. Here, we identified a total of 134 genes that were differentially expressed between the groups (false discovery rate <0.05; fold change ≥2). Functional analyses with DEGs revealed that lipid metabolism (SCD and FASN) was one of the significant biological processes related to IMF content determination. In addition, we found that DEGs related to muscle regeneration (MYOG and VEGFA) and extracellular matrix (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL14A1 and COL15A1) were changed among individuals with extreme IMF contents. These results will aid in understanding the regulation of IMF content in pigs.

Quality traits of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;longissimus lumborum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; muscle from White Mangalica, Duroc × White Mangalica and Large White pigs reared under intensive conditions and slaughtered at 150 kg live weight: a comparative study

Abstract. To compare quality traits of longissimus lumborum muscle of three genotypes, 20 White Mangalica (WM), 20 crossbred Duroc × White Mangalica (DWM) and 20 Large White (LW) pigs were allotted to the same indoor rearing and feeding conditions. Crossbred and LW pigs grew faster than WM pigs reaching 150 kg on average 168 and 288 days before WM, respectively. Meat from WM pigs had the highest intramuscular fat content and darkest and reddest colour; crosses were at an intermediate position, with significant differences among all genotypes. In addition, ultimate pH, water-holding capacity and iron content were significantly the highest in meat from WM pigs, compared to the other two genotypes. Crossing WM with Duroc had a significant effect on individual fatty acid content of meat. However, the sum of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids remained unchanged. WM and DWM pigs had significantly more tender meat than LW pigs. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were most abundant, followed by saturated (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat from all animals. Meat from WM and DWM pigs had a significantly higher percentage of MUFAs and significantly lower percentage of SFAs than LW pigs.

Association between leptin receptor gene polymorphism and quality of both meat and back fat in large white pigs of ukrainian breeding

Leptin receptor is one of the components of the system of regulating energy homeostasis of the organism. Leptin receptor gene (LEPR) polymorphism is associated with pig carcass index of the content of intramus- cular fat in its valuable parts, which is particularly important when assessing the quality of their carcasses for processing. Intramuscular fat is associated with meat fl avor characteristics and partly determines its tenderness, juiciness, and other parameters. Aim. To analyze LEPR gene (SNP NM001024587.1, p. 1987 C &gt; T) polymor- phism in populations of various pig breeds and to establish its relationship with the quality of both meat and fat of pigs of Large White breed of Ukrainian breeding. Methods. Genetic-population analysis of nine pig breeds, associative analysis on the search connection of LEPR gene polymorphism with quality of both meat and fat of pigs of Large White breed of Ukrainian breeding. LEPR locus genotyping was performed by High Resolution Melting (HRM). Results. All the studied breeds are characterized by polymorphism of the leptin receptor gene (SNP NM001024587.1, p. 1987 C &gt; T), signifi cant breed specifi city in the distribution of frequencies of alleles was established. Statistically confi rmed effect (p &lt; 0.05) of genotypes LEPR on the content of intramuscular fat, total dry matter and moisture in the meat, as well as the moisture content in the back fat of pigs of Ukrainian Large White breed was revealed. Higher content of intramuscular fat was found in the animals with genotype TT, while a smaller amount of intramuscular fat and more moisture in fat was revealed in heterozygotes. Conclusions. Genetic marker LEPR SNP NM001024587.1, p. 1987 C &gt; T can be used in the marker-assisted selection to predict and improve the performance quality of the meat of pigs of Large White breed of the Ukrainian breeding. These results suggest that porcine leptin receptor gene controls the quality of fat comp- lex – inside muscles and in the dorsal part of the carcass.

Calpastatin gene polymorphism is associated with rabbit meat quality traits

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms in the calpastatin (CAST) gene and to test their association with meat quality traits in Hyla, Champagne, and Tianfu Black rabbit breeds. We detected one single nucleotide polymorphism (g.16441502 C > T) located at 67 bp in intron 3 of the CAST gene in Chromosome 11. The three rabbit populations had intermediate levels of genetic diversity in the CAST gene. The statistical analysis indicated that rabbits with the TT genotype had a significantly greater yellowness at 0 and 24 h postmortem than those with the CC genotype (P < .05) in the longissimus dorsi muscle. Rabbits with CC genotype had higher intramuscular fat content than those with CT and CC genotypes in both longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles in the three breeds (P < .05). Our results indicated that the CAST gene may be used as a possible candidate for marker-assisted selection in rabbit meat breeding programmes.