Associations between polymorphism in the 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase 1 gene (DECR1) and growth traits of Shanxi White pig

A polymorphism within exon 2 of the 2, 4-dienoyl-CoA reductase gene (DECR1) was investigated by PCR-SSCP in 228 Shanxi White pigs. An association between the DECR1 polymorphism and growth traits in Shanxi White pigs was determined with an univariate animal model. The polymorphism was found within exon 2 of the DECR1, giving rise to genotypes AA, BB or AB. This polymorphism exhibited a significant effect of generation and sex (P<0.05, P<0.01) on growth traits and backfat thickness. At the age of six months BB pigs showed the body weight and chest girth higher than AA and AB animals. However, the polymorphism revealed no significant effects on other growth traits (P>0.05) though a trend of BB>AB>AA was showed.