A whole genome scanning for quantitative trait loci on traits related to sperm quality and ejaculation in pigs.
To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits related to semen and ejaculation, phenotype data including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, sperm motility, sperm abnormality rate, semen pH value, ejaculation times and ejaculation duration were measured on 206 F(2) boar at 240 days in a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross. A genome-wide scan was performed and the entire White Duroc x Erhualian intercross was genotyped for 183 microsatellite markers covering the whole pig genome. QTL analysis was performed using a composite regression interval mapping method via QTLExpress. A total of 18 QTL were detected, including 4 genome-wide significant QTL each for semen pH on pig chromosome (SSC) 2 and SSC12, for semen volume on SSC15, and for ejaculation times on SSC17. Fourteen suggestive QTL were found on SSC1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 17 and 18. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the QTL for semen and ejaculation traits in pigs, providing a start point to decipher the genetic basis of these complex traits.
Xing
Yuyun
Y
Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology of Jiangxi Province and Ministry of Agriculture of China, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, PR China.
Ren
Jun
J
Ren
Dongren
D
Guo
Yuanmei
Y
Wu
Yanbo
Y
Yang
Guangcheng
G
Mao
Huirong
H
Brenig
Bertram
B
Huang
Lusheng
L
D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D016678:Genome; D005838:Genotype; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*