The effect of SCD and LEPR genetic polymorphisms on fat content and composition is maintained throughout fattening in Duroc pigs

Meat Sci. 2016 Nov:121:33-39. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.05.012. Epub 2016 May 20.

Abstract

The effects of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD; AY487830:g.2228T>C) and leptin receptor (LEPR; NM_001024587:g.1987C>T) polymorphisms on fat content and fatty acid (FA) composition were investigated throughout fattening. Samples of Longissimus thoracis (LT) and subcutaneous fat (SF) from 214 Duroc barrows were collected from 160days to slaughter age (220days) using a longitudinal design. Results indicated that the positive effect of the T allele at the SCD gene on monounsaturated FA and of the T allele at the LEPR gene on saturated FA are maintained throughout the growing-finishing period, both in LT and SF. In LEPR, however, compositional changes, particularly in SF, are a result of increased fatness. There is very limited evidence of genotype by age interaction, and thus it is concluded that the combined selection for the SCD T and LEPR C alleles is a good strategy to increase the MUFA/SFA ratio regardless of the age at slaughter.

Keywords: Age; Fatty acids; Genetic marker; Intramuscular fat; Meat quality; Pork.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Dietary Fats / analysis*
  • Fatty Acids / analysis
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / analysis
  • Genotype
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Leptin / metabolism
  • Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase / genetics*
  • Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase / metabolism
  • Subcutaneous Fat / metabolism
  • Swine / genetics

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase