Alpha (1,2)-fucosyltransferase M307A polymorphism improves piglet survival

Anim Biotechnol. 2013;24(3):243-50. doi: 10.1080/10495398.2013.776964.

Abstract

To confirm the beneficial effects of alpha (1,2)-fucosyltransferase (FUT1) M307 (A) on piglet survival on commercial farms, we performed PCR-RFLP analysis of FUT1 M307 in successfully marketed (n = 245) and disease affected/deceased pigs during weaning (n = 252) at a commercial farm. We also evaluated the FUT1 genotypes of 190 healthy pigs from three different genetic backgrounds. The distribution of genotypes differed between the successfully marketed and disease affected/deceased pig groups. The frequency of the A allele, associated with resistance to edema and post-weaning diarrhea, was higher in the post-weaning survival group (0.21) than in the non-survival group (0.16, P < 0.05). The odds ratio for piglet survival between AA and GG genotypes was 1.98; thus, piglet survival for individuals with the AA genotype was almost two-fold greater than for GG individuals. The FUT1 gene polymorphism can be used as an effective marker for selection programs to improve post-weaning piglet survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Fucosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Survival Analysis
  • Swine / genetics
  • Swine / metabolism
  • Swine / physiology*
  • Weaning

Substances

  • Fucosyltransferases