Mapping quantitative trait loci for principal components of bone measurements and osteochondrosis scores in a wild boar x large white intercross.

Data on osteochondrosis and femur dimensions from 195 F2 pigs from a wild boar x Large White intercross were analysed with the aim of detecting quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for normal and disturbed bone formation. The information from numerous recorded traits was summarized by principal component analysis and analysed by least-squares interval mapping. An increase in the proportion of wild boar alleles across the genome increased length versus width of femur and reduced the prevalence of osteochondrosis. The presence of QTLs with an impact on femur dimensions was indicated on chromosomes 2, 4, 16 and 17 and on osteochondrosis on chromosomes 5, 13 and 15. A substantial effect of the chromosome 5 QTL calls for further studies within commercial populations to evaluate whether marker-assisted selection could be used to reduce the prevalence of osteochondrosis.