ARS | Publication request: A PRELIMINARY GENOMIC SCAN FOR CHROMOSOMAL REGIONS AFFECTING PLASMA FSH CONCENTRATIONS IN PUBERTAL BOARS

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 14, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: In previous reports, Meishan boars had elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). To understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the increased levels of FSH in Meishan boars we utilized a resource population of a reciprocal back-cross between Meishan (ME) and White Composite (WC) pigs. Next, 3/4 ME 1/4 WC pigs were mated to 1/4 ME 3/4 WC pigs to produce 1/2 ME 1/2 WC progeny. Multiple blood samples from 121 boars were collected during pubertal development and plasma concentration of FSH determined, 15 boars were 1/4 ME 3/4 WC, 18 boars were 3/4 ME 1/4 WC and 88 boars were 1/2 ME 1/2 WC. A total of 156 genetic markers spaced throughout the genome were genotyped. A least- squares regression analysis was conducted to determine the probability of a QTL affecting serum FSH residing within a given genomic interval. Three regions reached genome-wide significance located on chromosomes 7, 8, and X. Two additional regions which merit mentioning were located on chromosomes 10 and 18. Whether coincidental or a result of pleiotropy, the region on 8 also affects ovulation rate, the region on X affects backfat thickness and testicular development, the region on 10 is between QTL for age at puberty and ovulation rate, and the region on 18 has weak evidence for an affect on ovulation rate. Further studies are ongoing to confirm these associations of genomic regions with plasma FSH as well as evaluate potential pleiotropic effects.