ARS | Publication request: Effects of SNPs from the differentially expressed swine odorant binding protein (OBP) gene on average daily gain

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Animal Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 25, 2010
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Citation: Chung, H.Y., Mcclure, M.C. 2011. Effects of SNPs from the differentially expressed swine odorant binding protein (OBP) gene on average daily gain. Journal of Applied Animal Research. 39(1):1-4.

Interpretive Summary: Phenotypic variation in weight gain is an important factor in the swine industry and pheromones have been shown to impact an animal’s growth rate. No genetic variations in the swine odorant binding protein (OBP) gene have been previously associated with growth rates. This study shows that the expression level of OBP has a growth period specific pattern in swine. To identify genetic variation in OBP that could influence the gene’s expression level and potentially influence growth rate 307 Yorkshire pigs were sequenced and with 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms in OBP were identified. Two of these SNP were significantly associated (P<0.05) with variation in average daily gain. These SNP could be integrated into a genomic selection program for swine.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze genetic mutations in the swine odorant binding protein (OBP), map them on the swine genome, and to investigate the association between genetic variants and growth traits. The tissue sample of intramuscular fat from 10 individuals for each growth stage (0, 90, 150, and 210 days) was used to analyze expression levels of OBP gene, resulting in the highest expression levels at day 90. Sequencing analysis of 307 purebred Yorkshire pigs revealed 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and the sequence was submitted into the GenBank with an accession number (FJ222446). SNPs at positions 333 and 508 located in an intron region, and accounted for significant variation of average daily gain (ADG). The analysis of radiation hybrid mapping confirmed a location of the swine OBP gene on chromosome 7 between markers S0064 (475.6 cM) and S0025 (497.4 cM) based on the SSRH and USDA swine maps. It is concluded that the identified SNP may be used as a useful genetic marker associated with average daily gain.