Leaf Fat Weight Research Articles

A further look at quantitative trait loci for growth and fatness traits in a White Duroc × Erhualian F3 intercross population

Genetic analysis of porcine growth and fatness traits is beneficial to the swine industry and provides a reference to understand human obesity. Here, we obtained 29 growth and fatness traits for 473 individuals from a White Duroc × Erhualian F3 intercross population. Basic statistical analyses showed that: (1) Positive correlations between different-stage body weights were detected, the shorter the time interval the stronger the correlation. (2) Strong correlations existed in the paired fatness traits. (3) With the growth of age, the correlation between fatness and body weight was increasing. All pigs were genotyped by Illumina 50 K SNP chips and their whole-genome genotypes were imputed referred to 109 re-sequencing data. We performed common and imputation-based GWASs for these traits. Two genome-wide significant loci on swine chromosome (SSC) 4 and 7 were repeatedly detected. The strongest association (P = 3.24 × 10−19) was detected at 31.96 Mb on SSC7 for leaf fat weight. On this locus, seven major haplotypes were identified, of which two were novel and had an increasing-fatness effect. In the imputation-based GWAS, three new loci were identified. Our findings provide further insights into and enhance our understanding of genetic mechanism of porcine growth and fat deposition.

Enhanced adipogenesis in Mashen pigs compared with Large White pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is critical pork meat quality; however, its content is relatively low in commercial pig breeds. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the difference in intramuscular adipogenesis between Mashen and Large White pigs. 12 male Mashen and Large White piglets (six in each breed) were used, and longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled for analysis. The results showed that back fat thickness (p < .01) and leaf fat weight (p < .05) were increased in Mashen pigs. Moreover, the IMF contents were greater in Mashen pigs (p < .01). With exception of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, mRNA expression of other adipogenic markers, including Zinc finger protein 423 (p < .05), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (p < .05), CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ, p < .05), C/EBPα (p < .05) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ, p < .01) were greater in Mashen pigs; consistently, protein abundance of both C/EBPα (p < .01) and PPARγ (p < .05) were also greater. Both mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) (p < .01) and its activity (p < .05) were elevated in Mashen pigs, whereas no difference of acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity was observed. In addition, protein content of fatty-acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was elevated in Mashen pigs. The malate dehydrogenase activity was greater (p < .05) and hormone-sensitive lipase activity was lower in Mashen pigs. In summary, IMF content was enhanced in Mashen pigs, which at least partly through enhancing intramuscular adipogenesis.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Certain Carcass Traits and Organ Weights in a Large White×Minzhu Intercross Porcine Population

Porcine carcass traits and organ weights have important economic roles in the swine industry. A total of 576 animals from a Large White×Minzhu intercross population were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip and were phenotyped for 10 traits, specifically, backfat thickness (6-7 libs), carcass length, carcass weight, foot weight, head weight, heart weight, leaf fat weight, liver weight, lung weight and slaughter body weight. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) was assessed by Genome Wide Rapid Association using the mixed model and regression-genomic control approach. A total of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (with the most significant SNP being MARC0033464, P value=6.80×10−13) were located in a 9.76-Mb (31.24-41.00 Mb) region on SSC7 and were found to be significantly associated with one or more carcass traits and organ weights. High percentage of phenotypic variance explanation was observed for each trait ranging from 31.21 to 67.42%. Linkage analysis revealed one haplotype block of 495 kb, in which the most significant SNP being MARC0033464 was contained, on SSC7 at complete linkage disequilibrium. Annotation of the pig reference genome suggested 6 genes (GRM4, HMGA1, NUDT3, RPS10, SPDEF and PACSIN1) in this candidate linkage disequilibrium (LD) interval. Functional analysis indicated that the HMGA1 gene presents the prime biological candidate for carcass traits and organ weights in pig, with potential application in breeding programs.

Effect of immunocastration in group-housed commercial fattening pigs on reproductive organs, malodorous compounds, carcass and meat quality

In the present study, the effect of immunocastration on carcass traits, meat quality, reproductive organs development, and boar taint compounds was investigated. Male piglets (50% Duroc crosses) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: entire males (EM; n = 19), surgical castrates (SC; n = 20) and immunocastrates (IC, vaccinated with Improvac&lt;sup&gt;&amp;reg;&lt;/sup&gt; at the age of 79 and 142 days; n = 21). Pigs were fed ad libitum and weighed at the time of first and second vaccination and before slaughter (176 days of age). No differences between treatment groups were detected for carcass weight. In the case of backfat thickness, carcass lean meat content, and belly leanness score, IC were intermediate between EM (the leanest) and SC (the fattest), differing (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from both control groups. Regarding loin eye fat area, neck intermuscular fatness, ham leanness, and leaf fat weight, IC were similar to EM and were less fat than SC (P &amp;lt; 0.01). IC had lower intramuscular fat than SC (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and higher average pH 24 than both EM and SC (P &amp;lt; 0.01), resulting in darker colour. IC also demonstrated lower drip loss than EM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Immunocastration caused a significant reduction of reproductive organs and concentrations of boar taint compounds (P &amp;lt; 0.01) which were comparable with the levels observed for SC. &amp;nbsp;

Detection of novel SNPs and mapping of the fatness QTL on pig chromosome 7q1.1-1.4 region

Many QTLs for fatness traits have been mapped on pig chromosome 7q1.1-1.4 in various pig resource populations. Eight novel markers, including seven SNPs and one insertion or deletion within BTNL1, COL21A1, PPARD, GLP1R, MDFI, GNMT, ABCC10, and PLA2G7 genes, as well as two previously reported SNPs in SLC39A7 and HMGA1 genes, were genotyped in Large White and Meishan pig breeds. Except for two SNPs in HMGA1 and ABCC10 genes, allele frequencies of the other eight markers are highly significant different between Chinese indigenous Meishan breeds and Large White pig breeds. Eight polymorphic sites were then used for linkage and QTL mapping to refine the fatness QTL in a Large White × Meishan F(2) resource population. Five chromosome-wise significant QTLs were detected, of which the QTLs for leaf fat weight, backfat thickness at 6-7th rib and rump, and mean backfat thickness were narrowed to the interval between PPARD and GLP1R genes and the QTL for backfat thickness at thorax-waist between GNMT and PLA2G7 genes on SSC7p1.1-q1.4.

Molecular cloning, expression and polymorphism of the porcine apolipoprotein A5 gene in a Jinhua × Pietrain F2 reference population

As a newly described member of the apolipoprotein gene family, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) has been suggested to play a key role in the triglyceride metabolism in both human and mice. The aim of this study was to identify the porcine (Sus scrofa) APOA5 gene, determine its mRNA and its mutations that are associated with lipid accumulation. The porcine APOA5 cDNA was amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using the information of the mouse or other mammals. It had been determined that the open reading frame of the porcine APOA5 gene consists of 1092 bp, which encodes a predicted protein composed of 363 amino acids with a similarity to bovine (80.43%) and to human (78.47%). The expression analysis indicated that the porcine APOA5 gene was expressed in hypophysis, fat and liver. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including 4 SNPs in the 5′ end, 1 SNP in second intron, 1 SNP in third exon and 6 SNPs in the 3′ end, were identified in the porcine APOA5 gene and genotyped on the Jinhua × Pietrain F2 reference population, it had revealed that the SNP of C1834T was significantly associated with average backfat thickness and leaf fat weight (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, this study has got basic information of the porcine APOA5 gene and provides evidence that the APOA5 gene could be a potential candidate gene for fat deposition.

SNP detection in the porcine PPARGC1A promoter region and 3'UTR, and an association analysis in a Landrace-Duroc-Yorkshire population

Meat quality is of increasing economic importance to the pork industry today, which is in contrast with the more traditional focus of pig selection for lean growth. Meat quality is however determined by many factors with a complex mutual relationship. In this regard, &lt;i&gt;PPARGC1A&lt;/i&gt; is a very interesting candidate gene because it not only plays a crucial role in energy and fat metabolism but also has an important influence on the muscle fibre type composition. However, only little is known about the regulation of expression of this gene in the pig and its usefulness in pig selection. In order to get a better understanding of the regulation of &lt;i&gt;PPARGC1A&lt;/i&gt; expression, 1 898 base pairs (bp) from the promoter region and the complete 3’UTR (3 826 bp) were sequenced and screened for mutations in 7 diverse pig breeds. Respectively 5 and 6 new mutations were discovered in these regions, of which several were in complete linkage disequilibrium with each other. None of the detected SNPs appeared to be located in any conserved part of the sequence when comparing different species. In an association analysis with intramuscular fat percentage, leaf fat weight or last rib backfat depth carried out in a Landrace-Duroc-Yorkshire commercial research population (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 960), no associations were detected for the new SNPs from this study or for 2 previously described SNPs in exon 8 and 9. The results from this study provide essential information on the sequence of the promoter region and 3’UTR of porcine &lt;i&gt;PPARGC1A&lt;/i&gt;, necessary for unravelling the complex regulation of expression and functioning of this gene in the pig. Although no association with meat quality and fat deposition parameters was found for the newly discovered SNPs in the regulatory regions, these need to be used in future studies to (further) assess their usefulness as new selection criteria for improving meat quality while maintaining the leanness of the carcass.

Molecular characterization, expression profile and association analysis with carcass traits of porcine LCAT gene

The lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase gene (LCAT) plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism, especially in the process termed 'reverse cholesterol transport'. In this study, we obtained the 1,434 bp mRNA sequence of porcine LCAT including the full coding region and encoding a protein of 472 amino acids. The sequence was deposited into the GenBank under the accession no. EU717835. The genomic sequence of this gene which contains six exons and five introns, is 3,712 bp in length (GQ379050). Bioinformatic analysis of the 5' regulatory region has revealed that some transcription factor Sp1, AP-1, AP-2 and NF-kappaB were represented in this region. Tissue expression analysis showed that the porcine LCAT gene is ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by aligning the amino acid sequences of different species. Moreover, we found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, C/G266) in intron 1 of the LCAT gene and association analysis showed that it was significantly associated with ratio of lean to fat (P < 0.05), caul fat weight (P < 0.01), leaf fat weight (P < 0.05), carcass length (P < 0.05) and bone percentage (P < 0.05). Our study will lay the groundwork for the further investigations on the detailed physiological function of LCAT in pig models.

Molecular characterization and association with carcass traits of the porcine SLC39A7 gene

In this study, the molecular characterization and potential association of SLC39A7 gene with carcass traits were investigated in pigs. The sequence of SLC39A7 cDNA was obtained by in silico cloning and RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two transcripts, variant 1 (2398 bp) and variant 2 (2088 bp), of the SLC39A7 gene were identified. Expression analysis of SLC39A7 in 10 different tissues by RT-PCR showed that variant 1 was ubiquitously expressed in all tissues analysed, but variant 2 was not found in fat tissue. The cDNA regions of variant 1 and 2 were organized in seven and eight exons respectively. A c.205G>A substitution in exon 3, which changes a codon for glycine into a codon for arginine, (p.Gly69Arg) and a c.1138-216T>C substitution in intron 6 were detected by PCR-HpaII-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and PCR-cofI-RFLP respectively. Significant differences were found in the allele frequencies of c.205G>A among six Chinese indigenous pig breeds and two commercial pig breeds. Linkage analysis showed that the c.205G>A polymorphism within the SLC39A7 gene was closely linked to the marker Sw1856 on pig chromosome 7 in a Large White x Meishan F(2) resource population. The QTL and association studies between polymorphisms of the SLC39A7 gene and carcass traits were carried out. Significant associations of the SLC39A7 polymorphisms with backfat thickness at thorax-waist (p < 0.05), average backfat thickness (p < 0.05) and leaf fat weight (p < 0.01) were found. Additional F-drop test or marker assisted association analyses also supported the association of the mutation in SLC39A7 with the above traits. Together, the present study provided the useful information for the characterization of SLC39A7 gene and potential association with carcass traits in pigs.

Molecular characterization, expression profile and association analysis with fat deposition traits of the porcine APOM gene

Apolipoprotein M (APOM), a novel apolipoprotein presented mostly in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in plasma, is involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Through comparative mapping, we have mapped this gene to SSC7 p1.1 in which many QTLs affecting fat deposition traits have been reported. As a candidate gene for fat deposition traits, in this study, we obtained the 742-bp mRNA sequence of porcine APOM including the full coding region and encoding a protein of 188 amino acids. The sequence was deposited into the GenBank under the accession no. DQ329240. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR results showed that the porcine APOM gene is expressed predominantly in liver and kidney tissue. The genomic sequence of this gene which contains six exons and five introns, is 3,621 bp in length (DQ272488). Bioinformatic analysis of the 5' regulatory region has revealed that classical TATA-box element and species conserved Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1a (HNF-1alpha) biding site were represented in this region. A G2289C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the intron 2 of porcine APOM gene detected as an Eco130I PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) showed allele frequency differences among three purebreds. Association of the genotypes with fat deposition traits showed that different genotypes of porcine APOM gene were significantly associated with leaf fat weight (P < 0.05), backfat thickness at shoulder (P < 0.05), backfat thickness at thorax-waist (P < 0.05), backfat thickness at buttock (P < 0.01) and average backfat thickness over shoulder, thorax-waist and buttock (P < 0.01).

Single-minded 1 Gene Mapping and Its Variants Association with Growth, Carcass Composition and Meat Quality Traits in the Pig

: Single-minded 1 gene (SIM1) is a homolog of Drosophila SIMI gene which plays a key role in the midline cell lineage of the central nervous system and is implicated in the regulation of feeding behavior and obesity in the human and mouse. In this study, porcine SIM1 gene was firstly mapped to chromosome 1p13 using radiation hybrid (RH) mapping and two polymorphisms were detected at position 607 (A/G) in SIM] intron7 and position 780 (C/T) in SIM1 exon8. The last substitution was genotyped in a 364 F2 animal-population and an association analysis of these genotypes was performed with growth, carcass and meat quality traits by the statistical animal model. The results showed the significant influence of the SIM1 genotype on growth (p<0.05): live weight at birth, later period of growth and average daily gain; and effects on carcass composition (p<0.05): weight of head and buck kneed foreleg, backfat depth, loin eye area, carcass leaf fat and ham fat weights; and traits related to intramuscular fat content (p<0.05).

Effects of the Sheep Polyclonal Antibodies Against the Porcine Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Proteins on Porcine Carcass Composition and Meat Quality

To detect the effects of the polyclonal antibodies raised in sheep against porcine adipocyte plasma membranes on the porcine carcass composition and meat quality, 30 pigs assigned into 6 treatment groups were given intraperitoneal injections of sheep antipig adipocyte plasma membrane immunoglobulin (ASIg) or sheep nonimmune serum immunoglobulin (NSIg). At the end of the experiment, the pigs were slaughtered at 90 kg body weight, and carcasses and meat quality were evaluated. The results showed that when pigs intraperitoneally immunized with 20 or 30 mg ASIg at 15 kg body weight, 20 mg purified ASIg twice at 15 and 60 kg body weight, or 20 mg purified ASIg at 60 kg body weight, respectively, their lean meat percentage, fat meat percentage, backfat thickness, loin eye area leaf fat weight, caul fat weight, heart weight, liver weight, and kidney weight were significantly affected. However, the kidney weight, lung weight, dressing percentage, and spleen weight did not remarkably change. Our results indicated that pigs intraperitoneally immunized with 20 or 30 mg ASIg at 15 kg body weight, and 20 mg ASIg twice at 15 and 60 kg body weight, have significantly different drip loss rate, cooked meat ratio, tenderness, storage loss rate, muscle fiber diameter, moisture content, dry matter content, crude protein content, and crude fat content from the control group that received 20 mg NSIg at 15 kg body weight. However, meat pH, meat color value, meat marbling score, inosinate, and myohemoglobin were not significantly affected. Our results indicated ASIg could not significantly affect the content of most muscular amino acids and intramuscular fatty acids.

Effects of the Monoclonal Antibody against Porcine 40 kDa Adipocyte-specific Plasma Membrane Protein on Adipocytes and Carcass Composition

The effects of the mouse monoclonal antibody against 40 kDa adipocyte-specific plasma membrane protein on porcine adipocytes and carcass composition were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results revealed that the in vitro complement-mediated cytotoxicity of this monoclonal antibody can lead to adipocyte lysis, remarkable reduction of adipocyte lipid accumulation (P<0.01), and significant decrease of well-differentiated fat cells (P<0.01). Treatment of adipocytes with this antibody alone in vitro did not induce cell lysis, but could lead to noticeable reduction of well-differentiated cells and lipid accumulation (P<0.05) at the pre-adipocyte stage. In vivo, pigs injected with 0.5 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg of antibody showed smaller adipocyte sizes (P<0.01) and reduced lipid accumulation of adipocytes (P<0.01). Our results also indicated that pigs intraperitoneally or subcutaneously immunized with 0.5 mg/kg of monoclonal antibody at 15 kg or 1.0 mg/kg antibody at 60 kg had a higher lean meat percentage (P<0.05), larger loin eye area (P<0.05), lower fat meat percentage (P<0.05), less backfat thickness (P<0.05) and smaller leaf fat weight (P<0.05) than the control pigs, but other carcass traits such as caul fat weight, heart weight, liver weight, spleen weight, kidney weight, lung weight, and dressing percentage were not significantly affected. These results suggested that this monoclonal antibody could be applied to restrain excessive fat deposition in porcine production.

Effect of dietary betaine supplementation on lipogenic enzyme activities and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, lipogenic enzyme activities in subcutaneous adipose tissue and mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in finishing pigs. Forty-eight crossbred barrows and gilts (Duroc × Seghers 15 line × Seghers 12/36 line) with a body weight of 55.7 ± 0.48 kg were divided into two groups, and three replicates of eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were assigned to each group. Pigs were fed a maize–soybean meal basal diet supplemented with either 0 or 1250 mg betaine/kg feed for 42 days. At the end of the trial, two pigs (one barrow and one gilt) weighing around 90 kg were selected from each replicate and slaughtered. Average daily gain increased by 5.5% (P<0.05) with betaine supplementation, but average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected. Adding betaine to diet increased carcass lean proportion and loin muscle area (P<0.01) and decreased carcass fat proportion (P<0.01) and average backfat thickness (P<0.05). Betaine did not influence dressing proportion, proportion of skin and bone of the carcass or leaf fat weight. Betaine supplementation decreased the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, FAS and malic enzyme in subcutaneous adipose tissue by 18.0% (P<0.01), 18.8% (P<0.05) and 14.5% (P<0.05), respectively, but the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were not affected (P>0.10). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a 25% decrease in FAS mRNA expression in pigs fed betaine (P<0.05). A significant correlation between mRNA expression level and potential enzyme activity for FAS was found ( r = 0.93; P<0.01). The study suggests that the reduction in adipose tissue observed in pigs fed additional betaine might result from diminished rates of lipogenesis that is a consequence of decreased activities and gene expression of lipogenic enzymes, as evidenced by the decrease in FAS mRNA expression.

Linked and pleiotropic QTLs influencing carcass composition traits detected on porcine chromosome 7

A multivariate QTL detection was carried out on fatness and carcass composition traits on porcine chromosome 7 (SSC7). Single-trait QTLs have already been detected in the SLA region, and multivariate approaches have been used to exploit the correlations between the traits to obtain more information on their pattern: almost 500 measurements were recorded for backfat thickness (BFT1, BFT2), backfat weight (BFW) and leaf fat weight (LFW) but only about half that number for intramuscular fat content (IMF), affecting the detection. First, groups of traits were selected using a backward selection procedure: traits were selected based on their contribution to the linear combination of traits discriminating the putative QTL haplotypes. Three groups of traits could be distinguished based on successive discriminant analyses: external fat (BFT1, BFT2), internal fat (LFW, IMF) and BFW. At least four regions were distinguished, preferentially affecting one or the other group, with the SLA region always influencing all the traits. Meishan alleles decreased all trait values except IMF, confirming an opportunity for marker-assisted selection to improve meat quality with maintenance of carcass composition based on Meishan alleles.

Goose breeding and production in Canada.

Abstract In the 1950s, goose breeders were severely restricted in their ability to benefit from the application of quantitative genetic methodologies and expertise in the skilful practice of husbandry due to lack of scientific knowledge on the subject matter. Response to this concern led to the establishment of a foundation flock of Pilgrim geese at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, and the development of technology for accurately recording rate of lay using trap nests, breedingwith pedigree records, feeding balanced diets, and employing disease control measures. In the following years, a number of studies carried out to improve the efficiency of goose production is described. These studies showed that older geese produced more eggs than 1-year-old geese, sex differences in production traits of economical importance, anipulation of photoperiod extended the rate of lay and altered the onset of egg production, increased spermatozoa concentration in semen collected from singly versus group housed ganders, the superiority of an artificial vagina versus aspiration for semen collection, and the advantage of inseminations on two consecutive days per week versus single insemination. Investigations of carcass quality of broiler geese showed that the Embden strain slaughtered at 64-66 days had relatively more breast meat and low scores for pin feathers, and meat quality of the Hungarian and Synthetic strains yielded 1-2% more breast cut than the Chinese and Pilgrim strains. The muscle contained 5-10% fat composed of mainly oleic (42%), palmitic (25%), linoleic (14%) and stearic (12%) acids with the Pilgrim and Hungarian strains having less muscle fat than the Chinese strain and strain crosses ( P &lt; 0.05). In a large study of Pilgrim geese, more than ten generations of selection for increased egg production resulted in an increase of 2 eggs generation 71. Heritabilities were estimated for body weights at 16 weeks and at housing (0.41-0.77), days to first and last egg (0.17-0.46), total and seasonal egg production (0.23-0.40), fertility (0.0-0.28) and hatchability (0.16-0.31), demonstrating potential merit for selection. Estimates of genetic correlation were relatively large between total egg production and days to first egg (-0.48 to -0.53), and days to last egg (0.66 to 1.07), but inconsistent with fertility (0 to -0.40) and with hatchability (0.38 to -0.12). In the 1980's, there was interest in reducing fat content in goose meat. Consequently, five generations of multi-trait selection in the Selected Chinese and Synthetic strains resulted in an increased body weight at 16 weeks of age (0.04-0.17 kg generation -1 as a deviation from their respective Randombred control strains), and a small increase in egg production of the Selected Chinese strain, but eduction in total (intestinal and abdominal) fat content could not be confirmed. The heritability of body weight and breast muscle depth had the highest and lowest estimates (0.67 and 0.12, respectively), whereas heritability of intestinal plus leaf fat weight was 0.51 and for most individual carcass cuts was 0.70 or more. In general, estimates of phenotypic correlations among body weight, carcass measures and individual carcass cuts were small, but genetic correlations between lean content in carcass cuts and fat measures were negative. The evaluation of body weight at 16 weeks ranked the Large Embden, Small Embden, Pilgrim, Chinese, Synthetic and Hungarian strains in descending order, but subsequent studies led to the development of quantitative genetic methodologies and husbandry skills which demonstrated promise in achieving improved efficiencies for commercial goose production.

Porcine PPARGC1A (peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1A): coding sequence, genomic organization, polymorphisms and mapping

We report here the characterisation of porcine PPARGC1A. Primers based on human PPARGC1A were used to isolate two porcine BAC clones. Porcine coding sequences of PPARGC1A were sequenced together with the splice site regions and the 5′ and 3′ regions. Using direct sequencing nine SNPs were found. Allele frequencies were determined in unrelated animals of five different pig breeds. In the MARC Meishan-White Composite resource population, the polymorphism in exon 9 was significantly associated with leaf fat weight. PPARGC1A has been mapped by FISH to SSC8p21. A (CA)_n microsatellite (SGU0001) has been localised near marker SWR1101 on chromosome 8 by RH mapping and at the same position as marker KS195 (32.5 cM) by linkage mapping. The AseI (nt₈₅₇, Asn/Asn₄₈₉) polymorphism in exon 8 was used to perform linkage analysis in the Hohenheim pedigrees and located the gene in the same genomic region. Transcription of the gene was detected in adipose, muscle, kidney, liver, brain, heart and adrenal gland tissues, which is in agreement with the function of PPARGC1A in adaptive thermogenesis.

Effects of different cereal grains and ractopamine hydrochloride on performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality in late-finishing pigs

Forty-eight barrows and forty-eight gilts (PIC 337 sires x PIC C22 dams) were evaluated to determine the effects of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) and different cereal grains on the carcass and fat quality in late finishing pigs. The study was carried out using four replicates with 24 animals in each replicate (four pigs per pen, six pens per replicate, two replicates per slaughter date, 12 pens per slaughter date). Treatments for the experiment included corn, wheat, and barley (early finisher period); and corn, corn + RAC, wheat, wheat + RAC, barley, and barley + RAC for the late finisher period. Ractopamine was fed at the level of 10 mg/kg (as-fed basis) of feed. Pigs were allotted to early finisher period treatments at approximately 45 kg BW. Pigs were then given late finisher period treatments at approximately 80 kg BW and fed for 28 d. The dietary digestible lysine level for all diets was maintained at 2.7 g/Mcal of ME. Pigs fed the wheat and corn diets during the late finisher period had a greater (P <0.05) G:F than those fed the barley diets. Pigs fed diets with RAC had lower (P <0.05) leaf fat weights, 10th-rib fat, last-rib fat, and belly firmness and had improved (P <0.05) dressing percents and loin muscle areas compared with those not receiving RAC. Pigs fed the wheat diets had a greater (P <0.05) dressing percent than those receiving the barley diets, but pigs fed the barley diets had a higher (P <0.05) Minolta L* for fat color than pigs fed wheat. Pigs fed diets containing RAC produced pork that was less tender (P <0.05) compared with pigs that did not receive RAC. Linoleic acid percent values were higher (P <0.05) for pigs fed diets with RAC than in those that did not. Feeding RAC improved G:F and lowered feed intake of pigs during the late finisher period (P <0.05). Feeding diets equal in lysine (2.7 g/Mcal of ME) but varying in ME, whether based on corn, wheat, or barley with or without RAC, had little to no effect on carcass, meat, or fat quality attributes.

Detection of�quantitative trait loci for�carcass composition traits in pigs

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of carcass composition data from a three-generation experimental cross between Meishan (MS) and Large White (LW) pig breeds is presented. A total of 488 F2 males issued from six F1 boars and 23 F1 sows, the progeny of six LW boars and six MS sows, were slaughtered at approximately 80 kg live weight and were submitted to a standardised cutting of the carcass. Fifteen traits, i.e. dressing percentage, loin, ham, shoulder, belly, backfat, leaf fat, feet and head weights, two backfat thickness and one muscle depth measurements, ham + loin and back + leaf fat percentages and estimated carcass lean content were analysed. Animals were typed for a total of 137 markers covering the entire porcine genome. Analyses were performed using a line-cross (LC) regression method where founder lines were assumed to be fixed for different QTL alleles and a half/full sib (HFS) maximum likelihood method where allele substitution effects were estimated within each half-/full-sib family. Additional analyses were performed to search for multiple linked QTL and imprinting effects. Significant gene effects were evidenced for both leanness and fatness traits in the telomeric regions of SSC 1q and SSC 2p, on SSC 4, SSC 7 and SSC X. Additional significant QTL were identified for ham weight on SSC 5, for head weight on SSC 1 and SSC 7, for feet weight on SSC 7 and for dressing percentage on SSC X. LW alleles were associated with a higher lean content and a lower fat content of the carcass, except for the fatness trait on SSC 7. Suggestive evidence of linked QTL on SSC 7 and of imprinting effects on SSC 6, SSC 7, SSC 9 and SSC 17 were also obtained.

Detection of quantitative trait loci for carcass composition traits in pigs.

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of carcass composition data from a three-generation experimental cross between Meishan (MS) and Large White (LW) pig breeds is presented. A total of 488 F2 males issued from six F1 boars and 23 F1 sows, the progeny of six LW boars and six MS sows, were slaughtered at approximately 80 kg live weight and were submitted to a standardised cutting of the carcass. Fifteen traits, i.e. dressing percentage, loin, ham, shoulder, belly, backfat, leaf fat, feet and head weights, two backfat thickness and one muscle depth measurements, ham + loin and back + leaf fat percentages and estimated carcass lean content were analysed. Animals were typed for a total of 137 markers covering the entire porcine genome. Analyses were performed using a line-cross (LC) regression method where founder lines were assumed to be fixed for different QTL alleles and a half/full sib (HFS) maximum likelihood method where allele substitution effects were estimated within each half-/full-sib family. Additional analyses were performed to search for multiple linked QTL and imprinting effects. Significant gene effects were evidenced for both leanness and fatness traits in the telomeric regions of SSC 1q and SSC 2p, on SSC 4, SSC 7 and SSC X. Additional significant QTL were identified for ham weight on SSC 5, for head weight on SSC 1 and SSC 7, for feet weight on SSC 7 and for dressing percentage on SSC X. LW alleles were associated with a higher lean content and a lower fat content of the carcass, except for the fatness trait on SSC 7. Suggestive evidence of linked QTL on SSC 7 and of imprinting effects on SSC 6, SSC 7, SSC 9 and SSC 17 were also obtained.