CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY IN RELATION TO THE POLYMORPHISM IN PORCINE MYF4 GENE

The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between polymorphism in porcine myogenin gene (MYF4) and economically important traits in relation to the carcass and meat quality of pigs. The genomic DNA samples were taken from in total 180 crossbreeds (Large White x Landrace). The detection of polymorphism in MYF4 gene were performed in order to evaluate its effect on back fat thickness, proportion of valuable meat parts, MLT area and proportion of thigh. The genotyping of analysed individuals was carried out by means PCR-RFLP method and restriction endonuclease MspI. The allele frequencies were as follows: A 0.75 and B 0.25. A prevalence of AA genotype (59%) compared to AB (33%) and BB genotypes (8%) were detected in analysed crossbreed population. The observed average value of heterozygosity (0.33) and positive value of the Wright s FIS index (0.12) similarly reflected the higher proportion of homozygous genotype in populations. The effect of MYF4 gene polymorphism on selected phenotypic traits has been tested using one-way ANOVA procedure. The statistical analysis showed only non-significant results. Due to the polygenic character of selected phenotypic traits the involvement of other candidate genes and increase of sample size could clarify the role of MYF4 gene in porcine carcass and meat quality regulation. The study, which is based on molecular variability of livestock genetic resources, is necessary for the genetic improvement and understanding of relations between markers and trait of interest.