Quantitative trait loci associated with AutoFOM grading characteristics, carcass cuts and chemical body composition during growth of Sus scrofa.

A three-generation full-sib resource family was constructed by crossing two commercial pig lines. Genotypes for 37 molecular markers covering chromosomes SSC1, SSC6, SSC7 and SSC13 were obtained for 315 F2 animals of 49 families and their parents and grandparents. Phenotypic records of traits including carcass characteristics measured by the AutoFOM grading system, dissected carcass cuts and meat quality characteristics were recorded at 140 kg slaughter weight. Furthermore, phenotypic records on live animals were obtained for chemical composition of the empty body, protein and lipid accretion (determined by the deuterium dilution technique), daily gain and feed intake during the course of growth from 30 to 140 kg body weight. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection was conducted using least-squares regression interval mapping. Highest significance at the 0.1% chromosome-wise level was obtained for five QTL: AutoFOM belly weight on SSC1; ham lean-meat weight, percentage of fat of primal cuts and daily feed intake between 60 and 90 kg live weight on SSC6; and loin lean-meat weight on SSC13. QTL affecting daily gain and protein accretion were found on SSC1 in the same region. QTL for protein and lipid content of empty body at 60 kg liveweight were located close to the ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) locus on SSC6. On SSC13, significant QTL for protein accretion and feed conversion ratio were detected during growth from 60 to 90 kg. In general, additive genetic effects of alleles originating from the Piétrain line were associated with lower fatness and larger muscularity as well as lower daily gain and lower protein accretion rates. Most of the QTL for carcass characteristics were found on SSC6 and were estimated after adjustment for the RYR1 gene. QTL for carcass traits, fatness and growth on SSC7 reported in the literature, mainly detected in crosses of commercial lines x obese breeds, were not obtained in the present study using crosses of only commercial lines, suggesting that these QTL are not segregating in the analysed commercial lines.