Combined Analyses of Data From Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Studies: Chromosome 4 Effects on Porcine Growth and Fatness

For many species several similar QTL mapping populations have been produced and analyzed independently. Joint analysis of such data could be used to increase power to detect QTL and evaluate population differences. In this study, data were collated on almost 3000 pigs from seven different F2 crosses between Western commercial breeds and either the European wild boar or the Chinese Meishan breed. Genotypes were available for 31 markers on chromosome 4 (on average 8.3 markers per population). Data from three traits common to all populations (birth weight, mean backfat depth at slaughter or end of test, and growth rate from birth to slaughter or end of test) were analyzed for individual populations and jointly. A QTL influencing birth weight was detected in one individual population and in the combined data, with no significant interaction of the QTL effect with population. A QTL affecting backfat that had a significantly greater effect in wild boar than in Meishan crosses was detected. Some evidence for a QTL affecting growth rate was detected in all populations, with no significant differences between populations. This study is the largest F2 QTL analysis achieved in a livestock species and demonstrates the potential of joint analysis.