Molecular genetic studies of the LEPR gene effect on fattening and meat productivity indicators of Duroc pigs

The purpose of research is to study the effect of the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) on the meat and fattening qualities of Duroc pigs in order to identify marker genes that are promising for use in the breeding process of pigs. The results of an experimental molecular genetic study and its influence on economically useful traits of 55 animals: 45 ♀ and 10 ♂ of the Duroc breed SC Lozovoye CJSC Plemzavod-Yubileiny are presented. Polymorphisms in the LEPR gene of pigs were studied and their frequency was compared in Duroc sows and boars; desirable productivity genotypes were identified. DNA was isolated from a tissue sample of the auricle of these animals. DNA amplification of the tissue samples was then carried out by PCR, as well as genotyping by RFLP using the restriction enzyme HpaII. For the industrial use of the most promising animals in the breeding of highly productive breeding stock of the Duroc pig population, new information was obtained on the relationship of the leptin receptor marker gene (LEPR) with fattening and meat productivity indicators and the gender characteristics of the inheritance of this gene were revealed. As a result, it was found that pigs with the AB genotype, compared to pigs with the AA genotype, had the best indicators in terms of precocity by 11 days (P > 0.99), fat thickness - by 3.6 mm (P > 0.999), body length - by 4.4 cm (P > 0.999) and the average daily gain - by 180.4 g (P > 0.99). Sows with the AB genotype also outperformed those with the BB genotype in early maturity by 4 days (P > 0.99), fat thickness by 2.5 mm (P > 0.95), and body length by 0.6 cm (P > 0.99) and average daily gain - by 88 g (P > 0.99). Boars with the AB genotype were significantly inferior to animals with the BB genotype in terms of body length by 0.6 cm (P > 0.95) and the average daily gain by 34.9 g (P > 0.95).