Molecular Research Projects

Mapping, Markers, and Milestones

RAPID progress is being made in the field of molecular genetics and gene mapping techniques. The advances made in human genetics have created opportunities to identify genes that control quantitative traits (quantitative trait loci or QTL) in other species. Development of genetic maps has also made considerable progress and the number of markers is growing fast. Over 2,000 markers have been mapped in the pig with the majority being anonymous molecular markers (microsatellites). Mapping genes and markers onto chromosomes provides the basis for QTL mapping - to search for molecular markers linked to the traits that are of economic importance. Major successes from research projects including quantitative trait loci with significant effects on traits such as growth rate, fat deposition, wholesale yield, and meat quality and reproduction have been reported recently.

RESEARCH findings from those studies provide new technology for acceleration of the genetic improvement in swine. Genetic markers linked to QTL can be used in a marker assisted selection (MAS) procedure to further improve existing lines or create new genetic lines. MAS is a very important tool for traits with low heritability or for animals without their own records. Effects of these trait-unique markers can be evaluated in a given population or line. The MAS affects directly on a specific region or regions of animal genome so that genetic changes resulting from MAS may be achieved at a faster rate and be more accurate in terms of animal performance for the trait affected by genomic region under selection. Identified QTL in the swine genome provide focus for animal breeders involved in the implementation of MAS systems.

DNA MARKERS can be utilized as diagnostic tools and in parentage testing. DNA-based markers - microsatellites - are currently used in multiple swine genome mapping projects as well as commercial parentage tests. The potential for DNA fingerprints to accurately identify animals and pork products will permit product traceability from the pork retail case to the genetic source. The advantages of traceability are enhanced integrity and food safety of the pork. The traceability tests, along with drug residue tests and DNA based diagnostics for food born and infectious pathogens enhances quality control for hog finishing operations and meat processors. The traceability tests using markers linked to economic trait loci on the terminal cross animals also provides a quality control step for breeding companies utilizing genetic markers in selection programs.

BABCOCK began its involvement in molecular genetics by utilizing the Hal-1843 DNA test in 1992. This was followed by an investment in the National Genome Microsatellite Production. In 1994, we became the only major breeding stock company to guarantee all animals at both the nucleus and multiplier levels to be free of the Hal-1843 mutant gene.

MORE RECENTLY, Babcock invested with others in the Molecular Genomic Scan Analysis to Identify Genes Influencing Meat Quality at Iowa State University. Babcock has invested heavily in the creation of microsatellites at the University of Minnesota. In addition, Babcock has licensed the "Intramuscular Fat Technology", a DNA test for a marbling gene.

IN 1999, Babcock contracted with the University of Minnesota to develop a New Lean Growth Terminal Boar Line using 20 markers for backfat, muscling and growth. Also, we began another project with the University of Minnesota titled "Identification of Genetic Markers for Improvement of Meat and Carcass Quality in Pig Lines within the Babcock Swine System".

BABCOCK began using the Rendement Napole (RN) gene test in 2000. Research has shown that the RN gene has a significant impact on muscle glycogen content and meat quality, specifically excess purge and low pH, and exists in all breeds. In 2001, Babcock became the first genetics supplier to produce and ship only RN-negative boars.

OUR GENETICS advance daily through the use of the latest technologies. Our commitment to ongoing genetic improvement is concentrated on the factors with the greatest impact on profitability such as feed efficiency, pounds of pork sold, and meat quality. No swine genetics supplier has the ability to take positive genetic changes to the producer as fast as Babcock, through our Closed Herd™ System.