Analysis of the genetics of boar taint reveals both single SNPs and regional effects

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Rowe S. J., Karacaoeren B., de Koning D., Lukic B., Hastings-Clark N., Velander I., ...More

BMC GENOMICS, vol.15, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-424
  • Journal Name: BMC GENOMICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Boar taint, Skatole, Androstenone, Regional heritability, Genome-wide association, QUANTITATIVE-TRAIT LOCI, GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION, FAT ANDROSTENONE, SKATOLE LEVELS, MESSENGER-RNA, LARGE WHITE, INTACT MALE, DEHYDROGENASE, EXPRESSION, STEROIDS
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Boar taint is an offensive urine or faecal-like odour, affecting the smell and taste of cooked pork from some mature non-castrated male pigs. Androstenone and skatole in fat are the molecules responsible. In most pig production systems, males, which are not required for breeding, are castrated shortly after birth to reduce the risk of boar taint. There is evidence for genetic variation in the predisposition to boar taint.