Distribution and linkage disequilibrium analysis of polymorphisms of MC4R, LEP, H-FABP genes in the different populations of pigs, associated with economic traits in DIV2 line

PCR-RFLP was used to analyze the polymorphisms of MC4R, LEP, H-FABP genes in a swine breed composite (DIV₂) and 4 swine breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace, Meishan, Bamei). The association study of these polymorphisms with several economic traits was carried out on a DIV₂ population. The results obtained showed that MC4R/TaqI genotype had an effect for average backfat thickness (P < 0.05) and lean meat percentage (P < 0.05). At locus LEP/HinfI animals of AA genotype had lower test daily gain than that of BB (P < 0.01) or AB genotype (P < 0.05). At the H-FABP/HaeIII locus lean meat percentage of the individuals with genotype DD were higher than that with genotype dd (P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium analysis among MC4R, LEP and H-FABP revealed that these genes were independent. This represented two or more genes that could be combined together within one genotype in order to facilitate breeding for objective traits. In addition, a method allowing simultaneous detection of fragments of MC4R and LEP gene was developed.