INFLUENCE OF TAQI POLYMORPHISM IN MELANOCORTIN RECEPTOR (MC4R) ON PIG SLAUGHTERING TRAITS

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of polymorphism in MC4R genes on slaughtering traits. The research was carried out on 60 crossbreeds of Large White and German Landrace in the dam line and of Duroc in the sire line. According to tests performed, it was determined that polymorphism in MC4R genes affected some quantitative traits of pigs related to feed intake, like MLD thickness, electric conductivity and meat color. Presented results of the examined slaughtering traits pointed out the need for further research in order to obtain more realistic relation of polymorphism in MC4R genes and slaughtering traits. It is also important to increase the number of pigs under research, as 60 pigs are a relatively small number for such research. Furthermore, other pig breeds should be involved in the research aiming to examine connection of polymorphism in MC4R genes with slaughtering traits within one particular breed, especially if it is known that polymorphism in MC4R genes affects slaughtering traits in different ways, depending on the examined breed.