Polymorphism of VRTN Gene g.20311_20312ins291 Was Associated with the Number of Ribs, Carcass Diagonal Length and Cannon Bone Circumference in Suhuai Pigs

Abstract

Simple Summary: An increase in the number of ribs (RIB) could improve carcass length (CL) and body size. Cannon bone circumference (CBC) is a pivotal body size trait, and a large CBC could enhance the capacity to bear excessive body weight, vigorous exercise, and resistance to injuries. Several researchers showed that the vertnin (VRTN) gene g.20311_20312ins291 (NC_010449.5 7: g.20311_20312ins291) is an important variant that is related to RIB and CL of Western pigs. However, it is unknown whether this variant could affect the CBC of pigs. Our study showed that this variant was significantly associated with RIB, carcass diagonal length (CDL), and CBC in Suhuai pigs; therefore, it could be used as a potential molecular marker for improving RIB, CDL, and CBC in this breed. Abstract:The vertnin (VRTN) gene g.20311_20312ins291 was reported as an important variant related to the number of ribs (RIB), and the ins/ins genotype was advantageous for improving RIB of Western pigs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the VRTN gene g.20311_20312ins291 influences RIB, carcass traits, and body size traits, including cannon bone circumference (CBC) in Chinese Suhuai pigs. We found that the VRTN gene g.20311_20312ins291 was polymorphic in Suhuai fattening pigs and gilts. The polymorphism of g.20311_20312ins291 was significantly associated with RIB and CDL in Suhuai fattening pigs (p < 0.01), whereas this variant had no influence on carcass weight (CWT). There was a tendency of association between this variant and carcass straight length (CSL) in Suhuai fattening pigs (p = 0.06). The polymorphism of g.20311_20312ins291 was also significantly associated with CBC in Suhuai gilts (p = 0.04). Furthermore, CBC was positively genetically correlated with body length (0.22, p < 0.01) and body weight (0.15, p < 0.01). Our results indicated that the VRTN gene g.20311_20312ins291 could be used as a potential marker for improving RIB, CDL, and CBC in Suhuai pigs.

Genome‐wide association study using a single‐step approach for teat number in Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire pigs in Korea

“…However, subsequent studies have shown that this allele also has a significant effect on other traits, such as carcass weight, body length and teat number, owing to its pleiotropic expression (Falker‐Gieske et al, 2019; Fan et al, 2013; Lopes et al, 2014; Mikawa et al, 2011; Van Son et al, 2019; Yang et al, 2016). VRTN has been widely recognized as a key gene influencing vertebral development (Duan et al, 2018; Fan et al, 2013; Jiang et al, 2020; Le et al, 2017; Mikawa et al, 2011; Van Son et al, 2019; Zhang et al, 2018), suggesting that the numbers of both vertebrae and teats are regulated by a common gene (Li et al, 2021).…”

Revealing New Candidate Genes for Teat Number Relevant Traits in Duroc Pigs Using Genome-Wide Association Studies

“…This was further confirmed that VRTN can be proposed as the most promising candidate gene; however, we still did not identify the genetic variants in this genic region related to number of teat relevant traits. It had been documented that VRTN had a major effect on the development of thoracic vertebrae (ribs) in pigs as well [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. This suggested that vertebra and teat number were controlled by the common gene.…”

Unravelling novel and pleiotropic genes for cannon bone circumference and bone mineral density in Yorkshire pigs

“…The etiological factors for limb and hoof weakness and injuries in pigs include nutritional imbalances, osteoporosis, excessive bodyweight, and suboptimal husbandry practices. The augmentation of cannon bone circumference (CBC) and bone mineral density (BMD) can enhance weight-bearing capacity and alleviate limb and hoof weakness ( Jiang et al 2020 ).…”