SNP discovery in genes affecting leg health traits in pigs.

Sow reproductive life is influenced by lameness issues. It has been reported that up to 44 percent of sows have locomotive problems. To date, few genome scans or association studies have been conducted to look at genes controlling lameness and other gait traits. In addition to health problems associated with leg and bone disorders, the pig has been suggested to be a good model for human bone disorders. Hence, the present study examined 134 porcine genes affecting skeletal development, mineral metabolism and other candidate genes for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery. Atotal of over 370 SNPs have been identified to date and are being mapped. These SNPs are also being investigated for their associations with gait and locomotion problems in approximately 2,000 commercial pigs scored for various leg and locomotion traits. The association analysis of 22 genes revealed that the genes CALCR, HDBP CALCA, MTHFR, OXTR, IHH, ANKH, LRCH1 and OPN were significantly associated with leg and body conformation traits which affect the health and productivity of pigs.