Novel PRKAG3 alleles and use of the same as genetic markers for reproductive and meat quality traits

Abstract

Disclosed herein are genetic markers for animal meat quality and reproductive efficiency, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening animals to determine those more likely to produce larger litters and/or better meat quality and preferably selecting those animals for future breeding purposes. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the PRKAG3 gene.

1 . A method of identifying a pig with a polymorphism at position 199 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a pig with an isoleucine at amino acid position 199 when an arginine is at amino acid position 200 in SEQ ID NO:2 is indicative of a pig more likely to have higher ultimate pH and lower glycogen content than a pig with a valine at amino acid position 199 and an arginine at amino acid position 200 in SEQ ID NO:2 or a pig with a valine at position 199 and a glutamine at position 200, wherein a valine at amino acid position 199 and an arginine at position 200 is indicative of a lower ultimate pH and higher glycogen content and wherein a pig with a valine at amino acid position 199 and a glutamine at position 200 is indicative of lower ultimate pH and higher glycogen content, the method comprising: 
 detecting the amino acid encoded at positions 199 and 200 of SEQ ID NO:2; and    relating the polymorphism to the phenotype.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said polymorphism is a transition of a guanine to an adenine at nucleotide position 595 of SEQ ID NO:1.  
     
     
         3 . A method for identifying a pig with a polymorphism at position 199 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a pig with a threonine at amino acid position 30, a glycine at amino acid position 52, an isoleucine encoded at amino acid position 199 in SEQ ID NO:2 is indicative of a pig more likely to have a higher ultimate pH and lower color scores than a pig with a threonine at amino acid position 30, a glycine at amino acid position 52, and a valine at amino acid position 199 in SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a threonine at amino acid position 30, a glycine at amino acid position 52, and a valine at amino acid position 199 is indicative of a lower ultimate pH and higher color scores, the method comprising: 
 detecting the amino acid encoded at positions 30, 52, and 199 of SEQ ID NO:2; and    relating the polymorphism to the phenotype.    
     
     
         4 . A method for identifying a pig with a polymorphism at position 52 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a pig with a threonine at amino acid position 30, a serine at amino acid position 52 and a valine at amino acid position 199 in SEQ ID NO:2 is indicative of a pig more likely to have a higher ultimate pH and lower color scores than a pig having a theronine at amino acid position 30, a glycine at amino acid position 52, and a valine at amino acid position 199 in SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a theronine at amino acid position 30, a glycine at amino acid position 52, and a valine at amino acid position 199 is indicative of a lower ultimate pH and higher color scores, the method comprising: 
 detecting the amino acid at positions 30, 52, and 199 of SEQ ID NO:2; and    relating the polymorphism to the phenotype.