Relationship between carcass weight, adipose tissue androstenone level and expression of the hepatic 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in entire commercial pigs

Boar taint is a major meat-quality defect in pigs and is due to excessive accumulation of skatole and androstenone in adipose tissue. The present work investigated the relationship between carcass weight, levels of skatole and androstenone in adipose tissue, and expression of the hepatic androstenone-metabolising enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), in 22 entire male and 22 entire female crossbred pigs (Large White (40%) × Landrace (40%) × Duroc (20%)). Animals of each gender were divided into two subgroups (11 pigs in each subgroup): (i) conventional weight (carcass weight 59 to 77 kg) and (ii) heavy weight (carcass weight 84 to 95 kg). No relationship between carcass weight and adipose tissue skatole level was found for entire male pigs (r2 = 0.013, P > 0.05). There was a significant negative relationship between carcass weight and expression of the hepatic 3β-HSD protein (r2 = 0.502, P < 0.001) and a significant negative relationship between 3β-HSD protein expression and androstenone level in adipose tissue (r2 = 0.24, P < 0.05) in entire males. No relationship was found between carcass weight and 3β-HSD protein expression in female pigs (r2 = 0.001, P > 0.05). 3β-HSD expression was 59% higher in conventional-weight male pigs when compared with heavy-weight animals (P < 0.05) and 36% higher in heavy-weight females when compared with heavy-weight males (P < 0.05). It is concluded that an increase in slaughter weight of entire commercial crossbred Large White pigs is accompanied by inhibition of expression of the hepatic 3β-HSD protein, which might result in a reduced rate of hepatic androstenone clearance with its subsequent accumulation in adipose tissue. It is suggested that regulation of pig hepatic 3β-HSD expression is under the control of sex hormones.     

Effects of immunocastration and β-adrenergic agonists on the performance and carcass traits of feedlot finished Nellore cattle

β-Adrenergic agonists (β-AA) are non-hormonal growth promoters which promote muscle hypertrophy in supplemented animals. The effects of two β-AA in combination with the immunocastration technique on the performance and carcass traits were evaluated using 96 feedlot Nellore males in a randomized complete block design with two sex conditions (immunocastrated (IC) v. non-castrated (NC)) and three treatments: CON (no β-agonists added), RH (300 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/day, for 33 days) or ZH (80 mg of zilpaterol·hydrochloride animal/day for 30 days, removed 3 days for required withdrawal period). The trial was carried for 100 days where in the first 70 days animals did not receive β-AA (phase 1) and during the last 30 days they were treated with β-AA (phase 2). The performance and ultrasound measurements of longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT) were evaluated in both phases. No sex condition v. treatment interactions were observed for any trait. The NC animals had higher average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than the IC animals, but they did not differ in dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (gain to feed). The NC animals showed greater LMA (P=0.0001) and hot carcass weight (P=0.0006), and smaller BFT (P=0.0007), RFT (P=0.0039) and percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat (P<0.0001) when compared with IC animals. The animals fed ZH showed greater ADG (P=0.0002), G : F (P<0.0001) and dressing per cent (P=0.0136) than those fed RH and CON diets. No differences in BW and DMI were observed. A interaction between treatment and time on feed was observed for LMA and BFT, in which the animals fed ZH diet showed greater LMA (P<0.01) and lower BFT (P<0.01) at 100 days than the animals fed RH and CON diets, whereas RH and CON diets did not differ. Immunocastration decreases muscle development and increases carcass finishing. In contrast, β-AA increases muscle and decreases fat deposition. The ZH has a higher action on the muscle metabolism than animals fed RH diet. However, RH diet achieves a better balance because it has an intermediary performance between non-supplemented and ZH animals and does not decrease the carcass fat.     

Phosphorylation and biosynthesis of high molecular weight proteins of tumor nuclear meatrix

Our previous studies showed a predominance of high molecular weight protein group in tumor nuclear matrices.Contrary to normal cells,proteins of this group are preferentially phosphorylated.Phosphoproteins of hepatoma nuclear matrix are selectively subjected to rapid proteolysis.By alkali treatment and a monoclonal antibody against phosphotyrosyl residue the presence of two high molecular weight bands of phosphotyrosyl-containing proteins was detected in nuclear matrices of tumor but not of normal liver cells.High molecular weight protein group of tumor nuclear matrices revealed also a rapid turnover and preferential incorporation of labeled amino acids selectively inhibited by chloramphenicol.     

Genetic and phenotypic parameters of body weight in West African Dwarf goat and Djallonké sheep

The International Trypanotolerance Centre's small ruminant breeding programme was initiated in 1995. The aim was to increase the efficiency of meat production and the trypanotolerance of the animals (sheep and goat). To achieve that goal, selection was based on estimated breeding values for daily weight gain from 4 to 12 months of age measured on trypanotolerance challenge. The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits and to evaluate genetic trends in West African Dwarf goat and Djallonké sheep resulting from the breeding programme under a low input production environment. Data for West African Dwarf goat and Djallonké sheep included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (W120), yearling weight (W360), pre-weaning (GR0–4) and post-weaning (GR4–12) growth rate. The data were analysed using an animal model that accounted for fixed effects of sex, year of birth, season of birth, parity of the dam, type of birth and the interaction year by season of birth. Estimates of heritability for BW, W120, W360, GR0–4 and GR4–12 were 0.5, 0.43, 0.30, 0.32 and 0.11 for goats and 0.39, 0.54, 0.21, 0.54 and 0.23 for sheep, respectively. The genetic correlation between BW and W120 was high for goats (0.74) and moderate for sheep (0.47). Genetic correlations between W120 and GR4–12 were high (0.92) for goats and moderate (0.49) for sheep. Between GR0–4 and BW the correlation was positive but low for sheep (0.26) and moderate for goats (0.60). Positive trends were found in mean estimated breeding values for animals born in the period 1995–2002 which demonstrated the effectiveness of the implemented breeding programs.     

Molecular weight and amino acid composition of the exocellular dd-carboxypeptidase–transpeptidase of Streptomyces R61

A procedure allowing the purification of milligram amounts of the exocellular dd-carboxypeptidase-transpeptidase from Streptomyces R61 to protein homogeneity (95% purity) is described. The isolated protein has a molecular weight of about 38000 and consists of one polypeptide chain. Its amino acid composition is presented.     

Rheological and microstructural investigation of oat β-glucan isolates varying in molecular weight

The rheological properties and microstructure of aqueous oat β-glucan solutions varying in molecular weight were investigated. The structural features and molecular weights (MW) were characterized by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), respectively. The microstructure of the β-glucans dispersions was also examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The samples with β-glucan content between 78 and 86% on a dry weight basis had MW, intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and critical concentration (c*) in the range of 142-2800 × 10³ g/mol, 1.7-7.2 dl/g and 0.25-1.10 g/dl, respectively. The flow and viscoelastic behaviour was highly dependent on MW and on the concentration of the β-glucans dispersions. Pseudoplastic behaviour was exhibited at high concentrations and Newtonian behaviour was evident at low concentrations. At the same concentration, the viscosity was higher for higher MW samples. The Cox-Merz rule was applicable for the lower molecular weight samples at higher concentrations whereas the high molecular weight sample deviated at concentrations greater than 1.0%, w/v. The mechanical spectra with variation of both MW and concentration were typical of entangled biopolymer solutions. AFM images revealed the formation of clusters or aggregates linked via individual polymer chains scattered heterogeneously throughout the system. The aggregate size increased with the molecular weight of the samples investigated and has been linked to the rheological behaviour of the samples.     

Obesity and weight loss could alter the properties of adipose stem cells?

The discovery that adipose tissue represents an interesting source of multipotent stem cells has led to many studies exploring the clinical potential of these cells in cell-based therapies. Recent advances in understanding the secretory capacity of adipose tissue and the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and associated disorders have added a new dimension to the study of adipose tissue biology in normal and diseased states. Subcutaneous adipose tissue forms the interface between the clinical application of regenerative medicine and the establishment of the pathological condition of obesity. These two facets of adipose tissue should be understood as potentially related phenomena. Because of the functional characteristics of adipose stem cells, these cells represent a fundamental tool for understanding how these two facets are interconnected and could be important for therapeutic applications. In fact, adipose tissue stem cells have multiple functions in obesity related to adipogenic, angiogenic and secretory capacities. In addition, we have also previously described a predominance of larger blood vessels and an adipogenic memory in the subcutaneous adipose tissue after massive weight loss subsequent to bariatric surgery(ex-obese patients). Understanding the reversibility of the behavior of adipose stem cells in obeses and in weight loss is relevant to both physiological studies and the potential use of these cells in regenerative medicine.     

The effect of rider weight and additional weight in Icelandic horses in tölt: part I. Physiological responses

This study examined the effect of increasing BW ratio (BWR) between rider and horse, in the BWR range common for Icelandic horses (20% to 35%), on heart rate (HR), plasma lactate concentration (Lac), BWR at Lac 4 mmol/l (W₄), breathing frequency (BF), rectal temperature (RT) and hematocrit (Hct) in Icelandic horses. In total, eight experienced school-horses were used in an incremental exercise test performed outdoors on an oval riding track and one rider rode all horses. The exercise test consisted of five phases (each 642 m) in tölt, a four-beat symmetrical gait, at a speed of 5.4±0.1 m/s (mean±SD), where BWR between rider (including saddle) and horse started at 20% (BWR₂₀), was increased to 25% (BWR₂₅), 30% (BWR₃₀), and 35% (BWR₃₅) and finally decreased to 20% (BWR_20b). Between phases, the horses were stopped (~5.5 min) to add lead weights to specially adjusted saddle bags and a vest on the rider. Heart rate was measured during warm-up, the exercise test and after 5, 15 and 30 min of recovery and blood samples were taken and BF recorded at rest, and at end of each of these aforementioned occasions. Rectal temperature was measured at rest, at end of the exercise test and after a 30-min recovery period. Body size and body condition score (BCS) were registered and a clinical examination performed on the day before the test and for 2 days after. Heart rate and BF increased linearly (P<0.05) and Lac exponentially (P<0.05) with increasing BWR. The W₄ was 22.7±4.3% (individual range 17.0% to 27.5%). There was a positive correlation between back BCS and W₄ (r=0.75; P=0.032), but no other correlations between body measurements and W₄ were found. Hematocrit was not affected by BWR (P>0.05), but negative correlations (P<0.05) existed between body size measurements and Hct. While HR, Hct and BF recovered to values at rest within 30 min, Lac and RT did not. All horses had no clinical remarks on palpation and at walk 1 and 2 days after the test. In conclusion, increasing BWR from 20% to 35% resulted in increased HR, Lac, RT and BF responses in the test group of experienced adult Icelandic riding horses. The horses mainly worked aerobically until BWR reached 22.7%, but considerable individual differences (17.0% to 27.5%) existed that were not linked to horse size, but to back BCS.     

Effect of weight and storage time of broiler breeders’ eggs on morphology and biochemical features of eggs,embryogenesis, hatchability,and chick quality

The transfer of hatchability results obtained under experimental conditions to the commercial ground with a positive financial effect proves the value and usefulness of these data. On the other hand, finding results on commercial processes of broiler breeders’ egg incubation in the literature is challenging. The presented study aimed to determine the effects of egg weight and storage time on the physical, biochemical characteristics of hatching eggs, embryogenesis and hatchability in Ross 308 broiler breeders. On the laying day, the eggs were divided into four weight groups: S – small eggs (57–61 g), M – medium eggs (62–66 g), L – large eggs (67–71 g), and XL – extra-large eggs (72–76 g). The eggs were then stored for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days under controlled conditions. As the egg storage time increased, a decrease in the yolk quality (lower index) was observed. The highest Haugh units were found in eggs from the S and M groups. The cholesterol content of the M, L, and XL groups was lower on days 7, 14, and 21 as compared to that of eggs only stored for 3 days. Egg weight loss during incubation decreased with an increase in the egg weight. An extension of the egg storage time caused an increase in the loss of egg weight. On the 14th and 18th days of hatching, an increase in the eggshell temperature was noted with an increase in the weight of the egg. The eggs stored for 7 days were characterised by the highest shell temperature on each day. The highest hatchability percentage was recorded for the M group. The hatchability rate decreased with the prolongation of the storage time, while the number of crippled chicks after hatching increased. The results confirmed that the increased weight of the eggs and prolonged storage time (14 and 21 days) increased the weight and decreased the length of the newly hatched chicks, respectively. Chicks from the heaviest eggs and those stored for 14 and 21 days showed poor results on the Pasgar score® test. The observations indicate the need to adopt various (of those available) methods to assess the quality of newly hatched chicks in hatcheries in order to produce high-quality broiler chickens. The results also indicate that prolonged egg storing beyond 14 days may affect the thyroid hormone economy during the hatching of chicks, especially in the XL group.     

Purification and mode of action of low molecular weight β-1,4-glucan glucanohydrolase from Trichoderma koningii

Low molecular weight β-1,4-glucan glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.4) has been purified from the culture filtrate of Trichoderma koningii through a three-step procedure including chromatography on Bio-Gel P-150, DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and SP-Sephadex C-50. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 22 000 by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the isoelectric point was 4.80. The temperature optimum for activity was about 55°C and the pH optimum was 5.5. Thermostability studies showed that the enzyme was almost completely denatured after a 1 h incubation at 60°C. The mode of action of the enzyme was examined by h.p.l.c. using cellooligosaccharides and their mixtures as substrates. It was revealed that the enzyme has transgloycosylation activity. A hypothetical scheme of cellooligosaccharide degradation by the enzyme is proposed.     

The effect of rider weight and additional weight in Icelandic horses in tölt: part II. Stride parameters responses

This study investigated the effects of rider weight in the BW ratio (BWR) range common for Icelandic horses (20% to 35%), on stride parameters in tölt in Icelandic horses. The kinematics of eight experienced Icelandic school horses were measured during an incremental exercise test using a high-speed camera (300 frames/s). Each horse performed five phases (642 m each) in tölt at a BWR between rider (including saddle) and horse starting at 20% (BWR₂₀) and increasing to 25% (BWR₂₅), 30% (BWR₃₀), 35% (BWR₃₅) and finally 20% (BWR_20b) was repeated. One professional rider rode all horses and weight (lead) was added to saddle and rider as needed. For each phase, eight strides at speed of 5.5 m/s were analyzed for stride duration, stride frequency, stride length, duty factor (DF), lateral advanced placement, lateral advanced liftoff, unipedal support (UPS), bipedal support (BPS) and height of front leg action. Stride length became shorter (Y=2.73−0.004x; P<0.01) and more frequent (Y=2.56+0.002x; P<0.001) with added weight. Duty factor and BPS increased with increased BWR (P<0.001), whereas UPS decreased (P<0.001). Lateral advanced timing of limb placement and liftoff and height of front leg action were not affected by BWR (P>0.05). In conclusion, increased BWR decreased stride length and increased DF proportionally to the same extent in all limbs, whereas BPS increased at the expense of decreased UPS. These changes can be expected to decrease tölt quality when subjectively evaluated according to the breeding goals for the Icelandic horse. However, beat, symmetry and height of front leg lifting were not affected by BWR.     

Effects of training and weight support on muscle activation in Parkinson’s disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity locomotor training on knee extensor and flexor muscle activation and adaptability to increased body-weight (BW) support during walking in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thirteen male patients with idiopathic PD and eight healthy participants were included. The PD patients completed an 8-week training program on a lower-body, positive-pressure treadmill. Knee extensor and flexor muscles activation during steady treadmill walking (3 km/h) were measured before, at the mid-point, and after training. Increasing BW support decreased knee extensor muscle activation (normalization) and increased knee flexor muscle activation (abnormal) in PD patients when compared to healthy participants. Training improved flexor peak muscle activation adaptability to increased (BW) support during walking in PD patients. During walking without BW support shorter knee extensor muscle off-activation time and increased relative peak muscle activation was observed in PD patients and did not improve with 8 weeks of training. In conclusion, patients with PD walked with excessive activation of the knee extensor and flexor muscles when compared to healthy participants. Specialized locomotor training may facilitate adaptive processes related to motor control of walking in PD patients.     

Trade-off between seed number and weight: Influence of a grass–endophyte symbiosis

Plant fitness is enhanced by resource allocation to seed number (offspring number) or weight (offspring survival). Besides, there is a well known trade-off in resource allocation between both traits. Symbiotic interactions can influence plant resource allocation to reproduction, yet little research has been performed in this direction. We studied the consequences of a grass–fungus symbiosis on the trade-off between seed number and weight, using Lolium multiflorum and the endophyte Neotyphodium occultans as our study system. In ecological terms, we experimentally removed N. occultans from L. multiflorum plants, and compared reproductive allocation to seed number and weight in endophyte-symbiotic vs. non-symbiotic plants at different levels of nutrient availability (small pots vs. large pots). In evolutionary terms, we compared reproductive allocation between symbiotic vs. non-symbiotic plants for different host genotypes. All plants showed a negative association between seed number and weight, once standardized for total reproductive biomass. Under high nutrient availability, endophyte-symbiotic plants showed higher seed weight than non-symbiotic plants for any seed number. However, no differences were observed under low nutrient availability. Endophyte influence also varied according to L. multiflorum genotype; specifically, endophyte-symbiotic plants showed a lower slope in the relationship between seed number and weight than non-symbiotic plants for the ‘Marshall’ genotype but no endophyte influence was found for the “Pampean” genotype. The results implied a higher plasticity in seed weight and lower plasticity in seed number for symbiotic plants. Indeed, endophyte-symbiotic plants showed an overall lower slope in the association between seed number and total reproductive biomass than non-symbiotic plants. Our results suggest that N. occultans induces heavier seeds in L. multiflorum plants under environmental conditions favorable to plant growth or for certain plant genotypes. We propose that symbiotic interactions may influence the evolution of seed number and weight trade-off.     

The molecular weight and substrate specificity of 20 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Streptomyces hydrogenans

The molecular weight of 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was 111,000 when determined by agarose gel fitration and 106,000 by density gradient centrifugation. From gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, after treatment with urea and 2-mercaptoethanol, the molecular weight was 27,000, consistent with the native molecule containing four subunits. After gel electrophoresis at pH 8.1, a single band was detected which stained for protein and activity with 5α-pregnan-20β-ol-3-one and 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol. 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was inactivated at pH 4.5 and the time course of inactivation was independent of the steroid used for activity measurements. Steroid substrates did not protect 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase against acid inactivation or affect enzyme fluorescence. It was concluded that the activity observed with the two substrates occurred at the same active center and that under the experimental conditions little steroid was bound to the enzyme in the the absence of coenzyme.     

Performance and carcass quality traits of Iberian × Duroc crossbred pig subject to gender and age at the beginning of the free-range finishing phase

The traditional production of the Iberian breed pig involves a long production cycle. It might be shortened by using Iberian pigs crossed with Duroc and by reducing the growing phase, but the age-related changes on productive performance and carcass quality should be addressed. Thus, productive performance, live measurements and carcass and primal cut traits were evaluated on Iberian × Duroc 50:50 crossed pigs according to animal age at the beginning of the free-range finishing phase (Montanera): 10, 12 and 14 months old (IBxD10 (n = 15), IBxD12 (n = 17) and IBxD14 (n = 18) animal batches, respectively) and gender (immunologically castrated female -consisted of the Improvac® vaccination- and surgically castrated males). During the growing period, animals were fed with restrictions; 1.49, 1.29 and 1.20 ± 0.023 (mean ± SEM) kg/day of commercial feeds to start Montanera with similar BW; 103.9, 102.9 and 102.1 ± 0.22 kg, for IBxD10, IBxD12 and IBxD14, respectively. IBxD14 animals yielded the highest average daily gain (ADG) and BW after Montanera, as well as larger rump height and croup width. In contrast, these animals had the lowest carcass yield. Although animals from IBxD10 yielded hams of inferior size, this could be of interest to the sector, as there is a certain segment of the market that demands hams of smaller size and, generally, this is difficult to obtain with the traditional Montanera production system. The gender had no major effects on performance and carcass and primal cut traits, so both immunologically castrated female and surgically castrated males are suitable for finishing in Montanera.     

Effects of age on fresh weight,proteins, peroxidases,and other enzymes of the +, −, and crossed gymnothecial cultures of Nannizzia gypsea

Cultures of the + (UAMH 1485) and — (UAMH 1486) mating types of Nannizzia gypsea and their crosses (1485×1486) were analyzed, after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks growth, for fresh weight, proteins, peroxidases, esterases, acid- and alkaline-phosphatases. The + type produced slightly more growth at all periods (90, 131, 131, and 129 mg/plate) than the — mating type (90, 123, 121, and 108 mg/plate). The growth of the crosses was much less (30, 88, 83, and 94 mg/plate). Total soluble proteins per gram fresh weight was greater for the crosses (51, 33, 48, and 63 mg) than for the + (19, 32, 34, and 32 mg) and — (20, 33, 33, and 33 mg) strains. Disc-gel electrophoretic analyses revealed 6–9 protein bands in each of the mating types, and 7–8 bands (protein) in crosses, several of which showed mobility and stain uptake differences. There were 1–2 peroxidase bands in the +, -, and crosses; their patterns were generally the same in 1-week-old cultures, but slight differences were found at the subsequent harvests. The number of esterases in the +, -, and crosses was 3–4 and 2–3, respectively, but their patterns were similar. Acid- and alkaline-phosphatases of the + and -, and crosses were quite similar to one another. For all the enzymes studied, the number of bands increased after the first harvest in crosses, but in the single strains there was no constant pattern.

---

Zusammenfassung Kulturen von + (UAMH 1485) und — (UAMH 1486) Zuchtungstamme von N. gypsea und ihre Kreuzungen (1485×1486) waren analisiert (nach 1-, 2-, 3- und 4-Wochen-wachsen) fur frisches Gewicht, Proteinnen, Peroxidasen, Esterasen, seurige und alkalinische Phosphatasen. Die + Stamme zeigten immer etwas besseres Entwicklung (123, 131, 131, und 129 mg/Platte) Denn die – (90, 123, 121, und 80 mg/Platte).Die Kreuzungen zeigten immer viel weniger Wachstum (30, 88, 83, und 94 mg/Platte). Die total losbare Protein per gram von frischen Gewicht war immer grosser bei den kreuzungen (51, 33, 48, und 63 mg) denn fur die + (19, 32, 34, und 32 mg) und die – (20, 33, 33, und 33 mg) Stamme.Die Disk-gel Electrophoretic Analysis zeigte 6–9 Protein Bande in allen Zuchtungstammen und 7–8 Bande in den Kreuzungen, mehrere zeigten verschiedene Beweglichkeiten und die Einahme der Beize. Wir sahen 1–2 peroxidase Bande in die +, –, und in den kreuzungen; ihre Formen (Muster) waren fast immer gleich wie in der ersten Woche alte Kulturen, aber etwas verschiedenes konnte man doch sehen spater in den ernten.Die Nummer von die Esterasen in die + und – Stamme und in die kreuzungen war 3–4 und 2–3, beziehungsweise aber die die Mustern waren gleich. Die surige und lauge Phosphatasen von den +, –, und von den Kreuzungen waren ziemlich gleich.In alle Enzyme die wir untersucht haben, die Nummer von den Bandern ist immer hoher geworden nach die erste Ernte in den Kreuzungen, aber in den einzelnen Stammen es war standiges Muster.

     

Association of PPARγ2 polymorphisms with carcass and meat quality traits in a Pietrain x Jinhua F2 population

The PPARγ2 gene is a key regulator of both proliferation and preadipocyte differentiation in mammals. Herein its genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed using PCR-SSCP in eight pig breeds (N = 416). Two kinds of polymorphisms of the PPARγ2 gene were detected, including a previously reported shift SNP A177G (Met59Val) in exon 1 and a novel silent mutation G876A in exon 5. The results revealed that European pig breeds carry a higher allele A frequency at the A177G locus and a fixed GG genotype at the G876A locus. Allele A at the G876A locus was only found in Jinhua pigs. The association between haplotype (A177G/G876A) and carcass and meat quality traits was analyzed in a Pietrain x Jinhua F2 population (N = 248). The PPARγ2 gene was found to be significantly associated with backfat thickness at the shoulder (p < 0.05), 6-7(th) ribs (p < 0.01), last rib (p < 0.01), gluteus medius (p <0.05) and ham weight (p < 0.01). Significant effects of different haplotypes on ham weight and backfat thickness at the 6-7(th) ribs, last rib, and gluteus medius were also observed.