Genetic factors for hematological traits in pigs

Complete blood count with differential is a critical diagnostic tool for evaluating the physiological and health status of individuals by analyzing white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. While extensively used in human medicine, the application of complete blood count biomarkers in pigs remain limited. This review focuses on the genetic architecture of hematological traits in pigs (Sus scrofa) using data from genetic association studies. By compiling data from multiple porcine studies, we identified 509 SNPs within 53 high-confidence QTL supported by more than one study. Among these, 37 QTL were homologous to human loci, with 19 containing plausible candidate genes likely to be influencing hematological traits. These genes are often linked to cytoskeletal formation, hematopoiesis, and immune function, highlighting conserved biological mechanisms across species. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigations into the genetic regulation of blood cell parameters in pigs and their implications for health, welfare, and production traits, offering potential translational insights for both veterinary and human medicine.