Genetic architecture of meat traits in Large White sows

Currently, genome-wide association analysis is a modern and reliable method for analyzing genomic information about animals, as well as determining the “genotype — phenotype” relationship. This study aims to use the GWAS method to identify significant SNPs located within or linked to genes for meat traits in Large White pigs — backfat thickness over the 6–7th and 10–12th vertebrae, and loin muscle depth. The conducted GWA analysis revealed 60 genes, of which 17 are associated with biological functionality, annotated using the DAVID program. Three genes were found to have codification in the Pig QTL database. The genes were divided into 10 groups based on gene ontology (GO). Of all the genes, the AUTS2 gene, located on chromosome 3 and predicting the number of corpora lutea in sows, is of greatest interest. The results of this scientific work will contribute to the development of a genetic evaluation system and improvement of meat qualities in pigs.