Inherited disorders in pigs: status of molecular genetic characterisation and future directions

The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database currently lists 214 inherited disorders/phenes in pigs including 34 single-locus disorders. Among these there are 13 where the causal mutation and/or reliable DNA-markers were developed, including malignant hyperthermia (MHS), Rendement Napole (RN), and susceptibility/ resistance to oedema disease. In pig breeding the disorders of hernia, atresia ani,splayleg and inverted teats are important in terms of animal welfare and economic animal production. These disorders are complex traits depending on several genes, genotype-environment- and gene-gene-interactions. Linkage studies revealed genomic regions with genes causing the liability for these disorders. Candidate genes were identified that are significantly associated with the disorders. Genomic approaches including the application of microarray technology for studies of trait-dependent gene expression and genome-wide association studies will further largely contribute to elucidate the aetiology of the inherited diseases. Already available genes and markers for the disorders need to be validated in various populations and environments regarding their effects on the disorders and other important traits in order to prepare for their implementation in marker/gene assisted selection schemes.

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