Determining the Presence of a Polymorphism in the Calpastatin (CAST) Gene Locus and Its Influence on Some Fattening Traits in Danube White Pigs

A total of 57 replacement gilts of the Danube White breed was used in a study carried out in the Agricultural Institute of Shumen. During the test period, for the trait "age at reaching 90 kg live weight" as well as the following traits, they were analyzed using a Piglog 105 device (portable ultrasound scanner, Frontmatec, Denmark): back fat thickness at points X₁ and X₂, growth intensity, back fat of <i>m. Longissimus thoracis (LT)</i>, and lean meat percentage. DNA analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment-length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP), with restriction endonuclease <i>MspI</i>. In the genotyped herd at the calpastatin gene locus, two alleles were identified with frequencies of 60% for allele D and 40% for allele C, and three genotypes DD, CC, and CD, with frequencies of 40%, 21%, and 39%, respectively. The percentage of animals with the DD genotype was the highest. They also had a lesser thickness of the back fat at point X₂, a larger back fat of <i>LT</i>, and a higher percentage of lean meat.