Influence of MC4R mutations in traits of tested Danube white purebred pigs

Katya Eneva, Apostol Apostolov, Radka Nedeva, Atanas G. Atanasov, Bogdan Szostak and Radostina Stoikova

Abstract: Restriction analysis (restriction fragment length polymorphism, RFLP) for establishing of MC4R polymorphisms with 81 Danube white purebred pigs was carried out. Genotypes and alleles frequencies of MC4R gene were classified as follows: the number of heterozygous animals MC4RAB -72.8% was the highest one and significantly lower for both homozygous genotypes 12.3-14.8%. The allele frequencies – MC4RA and MC4RB were close as the difference from 5.04% was in advantage for favorable MC4RB alleles.
It was established that as a result of the mutation of Asp298Asn pigs with genotype MC4RBB exceeded animals of the other genotypes as the differences for the following traits: back fat at point Х2, meat content and back fat MLD were significant (Р ≤ 0.05).
The present study conducted with pigs from the Danube white breed gives us reason to assert that the MC4R gene can be used as a reliable genetic marker for the selection of fattening and carcass traits measured during the testing period of 90 kg live weight.

Keywords: Danube white pigs; MC4R gene mutation

Date published: 2021-04-16