DNA Marker Genes in Pigs

As our knowledge of the Pig Genome increases we will uncover production genes which will determine the course of pig breeding.

Currently only a few genes are known with any real depth but more will be added

Production stage and gene name	Production effect	Characteristation of impact
Finishing
MC4R	Growth	AA – 3 days earlier to finish
	Lean	GG – 8% less back fat
		GG – eats significantly less feed per kg of gain
HMGA 1	Lean
	Growth
CCKAR	Feed intake, Hunger control and obesity
PRKAG3	Meat quality	Muscle glucogen content
		Meat quality
CAST (Calpastatin)	Meat tenderness	Proteases
HAL	Halothane gene	Stress, PSE, post-weaning mortality
RN-	Napole gene
Reproduction
ESR	Oestrogen receptor	Litter size
EPOR		Uterine capacity and litter size