The Roslin Institute in Scotland is analyzing the DNA of pigletsiin search of genes that determine muscle growth.
The growth rates differ between regular and runt piglets and the researchers aim to discover genetics that results in litters with fewer very small piglets.
The improved knowledge of pigs’ genetic code will also be the basis for research into other areas of their development, health and welfare.
The team used a technique to study DNA in frozen tissue. They applied this to samples from muscle in piglets at various stages of development, to pinpoint regions of DNA that control activity in genes linked to muscle growth, and to study activity in these genes.
Variations in regions of DNA were observed between small and large piglets. These variations suggest a difference in how DNA is regulated – which in turn governs muscle growth – between large and small piglets.
