A whole genome scan for quantitative trait loci for leg weakness and its related traits in a large F2 intercross population between White Duroc and Erhualian1

To detect QTL for leg weakness and its related traits in pigs, a total of 1,484 F(2) pigs were recorded for leg (at 76 and 213 d) and gait scores (at 153 and 223 d) in a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross. The length and weight of the biceps brachii muscle were measured after slaughter at 240 d. A genome scan was performed with 183 microsatellite markers in the population. A total of 42 QTL were detected, including 16 at the 1% genome-wide significant level and 6 at the 5% genome-wide significant level. Thirty-eight of the 42 QTL showed significant additive effects, and 14 had significant dominance effects. At least 2 QTL were detected for each trait except for leg score at 76 d, for which no QTL was identified. Some of the QTL for leg and gait scores confirmed previous findings. Eighteen QTL were detected for weight and length of the biceps brachii muscle. To our knowledge, this was the first report about QTL for weight and length of the biceps brachii muscle in pigs. Two chromosome regions each on SSC4 and SSC7 showed significant and multiple associations with both leg weakness and growth of the biceps brachii muscle, which are worthwhile for further investigation.