INTERACTION EFFECTS OF H-FABP GENOTYPES AT HAEIII, MSPI AND HINFI POLYMORPHIC SITES ON GROWTH AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS IN DUROC PIGS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interactive effects of H-FABP genotypes at the HaeIII, MspI and HinfI polymorphic sites on the traits of age at 100 kg body weight (D100), backfat thickness (BF), loin depth (LD) and intramuscular fat content (IMF). A total of 704 gilts and young boars pigs were performance-tested and genotyped for the H-FABP gene using PCR-RFLP at the Binh Thang Pig Research and Development Center. The results showed that the interaction effects among genotypes at the three loci were statistically analyzed in relation to the measured traits. Significant interaction effects were observed among H-FABP genotypes at the MspI, HaeIII and HinfI loci on D100, BF, LD and IMF.  To enhance growth performance, genotypes aaDDHh (143.3 days), AADdHH (144.7 days) and AAddHh (146.0 days) may be utilized. Besides, to improve intramuscular fat content, individuals carrying the genotypes AaDDHH (3.60%), AADDHH (3.53%), AADdHH (3.46%) and aaDDHH (3.34%) can be selected. The study provides evidence that multilocus interactions at H-FABP polymorphic sites have a significant effect on economically important traits in Duroc pigs. These discoveries offer a scientific foundation for the integration of H-FABP genotypes into marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies aimed at improving productivity and meat quality in swine breeding programs.