May 26, 2006

Gentec research promises greater control of pig performance

Gentec NV in a joint research with Newsham Genetics, has discovered a way to manage the IGF2 gene to improve reproduction in the breeding herd and select desirable lean traits in hogs, the company announced.

IGF2 is the first genetic marker that aids in the selection of dam (female) and sire (male) line traits, said Gentec. Management of the gene allows dam line selection for the production of larger litters or the sire line selection for greater muscle mass.

The positive allele of the IGF2 gene increases muscle mass while the negative allele influences reproductive potential.

Animals that receive the positive allele from their sires are generally leaner than those that receive the negative allele.

Research has also shown that parent gilts that receive the negative allele from their sire are more productive and stay in the herd longer.

Reproductive performance for extremely lean gilts has been a problem that producers have been trying to overcome.

Newsham Genetics said it can now provide a breeding solution based on the paternally expressed IGF2 gene so that boars can deliver the desirable gene to its progeny. Additionally, these come without negative impacts on growth rate or meat quality, according to Newsham Genetics.