Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Affecting Teat Number in Pigs

Abstract

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping can be applied to detect chromosomal locations that control economic traits in farm animals. Teat number has been considered as one of the most important factors to evaluate mothering ability of sow. Especially, teat number is more important when the number is less than the litter size. This study was conducted to identify QTL affecting teat number in the Korean native pig×Landrace resource family. A total of 240 animals was genotyped for 132 polymorphic microsatellites covering the 18 pig autosomes. Mean and standard deviation of teat number in F2 animals is 13.46±1.40. QTL was analyzed using F2 QTL Analysis Servlet of QTL express. A QTL for teat number on SSC9 was significant at the 1% chromosome-wide level and three suggestive QTL were detected on SSC3, 7 and 14. All QTL detected in this study had additive effect and Landrace alleles were associated with higher teat number in comparison with Korean native pig for three of four QTL.