ARS | Publication request: Genome-wide association identifies candidate genes for ovulation rate in swine

Submitted to: Midwestern Section of the American Society of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 19, 2012
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Citation: Nonneman, D., Schneider, J., Wiedmann, R., Vallet, J., Rohrer, G. 2013. Genome-wide association identifies candidate genes for ovulation rate in swine [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 91 (Supplement 2):64 (Abstract #O191).

Technical Abstract: Litter size is an economically important trait to producers that is lowly heritable, observable only after considerable investment has been made in gilt development, and responds slowly to selection. Ovulation rate, a component trait of litter size, is moderately heritable, sex limited, and should respond favorably to genetic selection. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with ovulation rate. Ovulation rate was collected on pubertal gilts and first- and second-parity Landrace-Duroc-Yorkshire sows at slaughter (n = 1,180). The animals were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 beadchip and analyzed for association using the Bayes C option of GenSel. Over one hundred QTL located on all autosomes and the X chromosome were identified to be significantly (p < 0.01) associated with ovulation rate. Fifteen of the most significant QTL accounted for about 48% of the total QTL variance. Candidate genes in these QTL regions that are known to be involved in folliculogenesis include FSHB, ADAMTS19, GDF9, NOBOX, and BMP7. One QTL was identified near the ESR1 locus, which has previously been associated with litter size in pigs. While many of these genes are known to be involved in ovulation or associated with litter size in rodents or other species, they have not previously been associated with ovulation rate or litter size in pigs. The identification of candidate genes should lead to the discovery of variation that affects their function and provides useful markers for selection. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.