Association of the heart fatty acid-binding protein gene with quality of carcass and meat traits in pigs

The heart fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) gene was sequenced in parental animals of a F2 crossing of boars of the Brazilian native Piau breed with commercial sows (Landrace x Large White Pietrain). Primers used for PCR were designed to amplify four exons of the gene. The PCR products were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences. Differences between the generated sequences and the GenBank sequences were observed for both genetic groups. A total of 246 F2 animals were genotyped using the Hinf I restriction enzyme. Two genotypes were identified, 198 being animals HH and 48 Hh. The Hinf I SNP was significantly associated with weights of loin (bone-in) (P<0.05), jowl (P<0.05), sirloin (P<0.10), and kidneys (P<0.01). These results showed the potential of the H-FABP gene in marker-assisted selection programs for carcass traits in pigs.