The mistyping of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) has been well documented, and new methods have been suggested here to improve the genotyping efficiency. Buccal cell samples were collected from 157 young Caucasians, and genotyped using previously known and newly developed PCR amplification genotyping techniques, as well as PCR-RFLP tests for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4327, rs4341 and rs4343). Inconsistent genotyping results were found when using only the PCR amplification genotyping techniques across repeated attempts (8% to 45%), however, individual SNP genotyping was highly consistent (100%). Two SNPs (rs4341 and rs4343) were in complete LD and SNP rs4327 was in high LD with the ACE I/D. The ACE I/D was in HW equilibrium in the portion of the population with consistent genotyping results, whereas the three SNPs were not in HW equilibrium. The mistyping of ACE I/D by only PCR amplification can be improved using alternative methods.

Country hams are dry-cured products from the Southeastern region of the USA. This high value product initially requires quality fresh meat to avoid later processing problems. The marker SREBF1, is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of fatty acid synthesis and anti-oxidative enzyme transcription. The SREBF1 gene and its regulating genes, SCAP and MBTPS1, were investigated for associations with several meat quality traits in country hams. After single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification, PCR-RFLP tests were designed for one polymorphism in each of the three investigated genes. Meat quality and physical traits were collected on 299 fresh hams. Significant associations were found with ham yield (MBTPS1, P<0.05 and SREBF1xMBTPS1, P<0.05) and ham circumference (MBTPS1, P<0.05 and SREBF1x MBTPS1, P<0.01), Hunter A colour score on fresh meat (SREBF1, P<0.05), Hunter B colour score on cured meat (MBTPS1, P<0.05 and SREBF1xMBTPS1, P<0.01), moisture (SCAPxMBTPS1, P<0.05) and salt percentage (SREBF1xSCAP, P<0.05). Our findings provide initial evidence that SNPs in SREBF1, SCAP and MBTPS1 are associated with some country ham quality traits. Breeders could use these gene tests to improve their animals, which would in turn improve country ham processing and other desired production goals

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