The effects of two alleles of IGF2 on fat content in pig carcasses and pork

Meat Sci. 2012 Feb;90(2):309-13. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2011.07.016. Epub 2011 Jul 30.

Abstract

The different fat infiltration capabilities of two alleles of IGF2 (G3072A) have been investigated in pigs of a Landrace-Large White×Duroc cross. Paternally inherited G allele carrier pigs show an increased content of adipose rich meat cuts such as the lard or the belly and 4mm larger backfat thickness values. Paternally inherited A carrier pigs on the other hand contain larger muscle tissue rich cuts such as the loin, the ham and the tenderloin and have 0.19 units lower feed conversion index. No substantial differences have been found neither in intramuscular fat content in several muscles nor in meat quality in both pig groups. Hams of paternally inherited G carrier pigs are richer in both subcutaneous adipose tissue (23.1 vs 19.1mm backfat thickness) and intermuscular fat content. The suitability and the economics of using any of the two of both genotypes for cured ham production are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis
  • Alleles*
  • Animals
  • Fats / analysis*
  • Female
  • Food Handling
  • Genotype
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Meat / analysis*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable
  • Subcutaneous Fat / chemistry
  • Swine / genetics*

Substances

  • Fats
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II