Search

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been mapped in many studies of F 2 populations derived from crosses between diverse lines. One approach to confirming these effects and improving the mapping resolution is genetic chromosome dissection through a backcrossing programme. Analysis by interval mapping of the data generated is likely to provide additional power and resolution compared with treating data marker by marker. However, interval mapping approaches for such a programme are not well developed, especially where the founder lines were outbred. We explore alternative approaches to analysis using, as an example, data from chromosome 4 in an intercross between wild boar and Large White pigs where QTLs have been previously identified. A least squares interval mapping procedure was used to study growth rate and carcass traits in a subsequent second backcross generation (BC 2 ). This procedure requires the probability of inheriting a wild boar allele for each BC 2 animal for locations throughout the chromosome. Two methods for obtaining these probabilities were compared: stochastic or deterministic. The two methods gave similar probabilities for inheriting wild boar alleles and, hence, gave very similar results from the QTL analysis. The deterministic approach has the advantage of being much faster to run but requires specialized software. A QTL for fatness and for growth were confirmed and, in addition, a QTL for piglet growth from weaning at 5 weeks up to 7 weeks of age and another for carcass length were detected.

The aim of this experiment was to compare non-carriers and heterozygous carriers of the dominant RN − allele (Rendement Napole) for carcass composition, muscle distribution and technological meat quality in pigs. Crossbred slaughter pigs ( n = 79), from Hampshire sires, heterozygous for the RN − allele, and Swedish Yorkshire X Swedish Landrace dams were used. The animals were classified into RN − genotype according to the estimated glycogen level at slaughter (glycolytic potential) in the longissimus dorsi muscle. Carriers of the RN − allele had higher daily gain, fewer days on test and produced carcasses with higher lean meat content, and a larger proportion of ham. The major ham muscles were larger in the RN − carriers than in the non-carriers. The proportions between the individual muscles were changed due to the RN − allele, with a greater content of glycolytic ham muscles ( M. semimembranosus et adductor, M. biceps femoris, M. gluteus ) and a smaller content of M. quadriceps femoris in RN − carriers. RN − carriers had lower values for ultimate pH, Napole yield (yield after curing and cooking), crude protein, and dry matter, and higher values for glycolytic potential, drip losses, filter paper wetness, internal reflectance and ash content. No effect of the RN − allele was found regarding lactate and surface reflectances.

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on fatness and growth have been identified previously on pig chromosome 4 in an intercross between the European wild pig and Large White domestic pigs. Two F2 sows, heterozygous for the actual chromosome region, were backcrossed to a Large White boar, and two backcross (BC1) boars were in turn backcrossed to Large White/Landrace sows. One of the boars was heterozygous for an intact wild pig-derived QTL region, whereas the other carried a recombinant haplotype. A total of 85 BC2 animals were produced. Phenotypical measurements included daily weight gain, ultrasonic measurements of fat depth at 70 and 90 kg and several carcass traits. QTL segregation was deduced using 15 markers previously assigned to chromosome 4. Highly significant QTL effects were observed on all fatness traits and on the length of the carcass. A small but significant effect on growth was also observed. The results confirm the presence of one or more QTLs on chromosome 4 affecting fatness and growth. There was a good agreement between the estimates of QTL effects in the F2 and BC2 generations. The results from the recombinant sire family allowed us to map the major QTL effect distal to the recombination breakpoint. We propose that this confirmed QTL with a major effect on fatness is designated FAT1.

The effects of outdoor rearing and sire breed on carcass composition and technological and sensory meat quality in pigs were studied in a trial with 102 crossbred slaughter pigs (Yorkshire, or Yorkshire × Landrace sows and Duroc or Yorkshire as terminal sire). Half of each litter were reared conventionally indoors, while the remainder were reared outdoors in a 50 000 m(2) area, as a single group. All pigs were fed ad libitum. Yorkshire sired pigs had significantly leaner carcasses and meat with lower IMF content and marbling scores, and higher shear force and water content. The sire breeds did not differ regarding pH(u), water-holding capacity, or colour. Meat from the Yorkshire crosses was more acid, less tender and gained lower overall acceptance scores in the sensory test. The outdoor-reared pigs had lower daily gain values and leaner carcasses. They produced meat with lower pH(u), higher drip loss, higher shear force values and higher internal reflectances. Their meat contained more lactate and crude protein and had a higher glycolytic potential, less IMF and less water. Regarding the sensory qualities, outdoor rearing impaired tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptance.