Intramuscular fat content and genetic variants at fatty acid-binding protein loci in Austrian pigs

Intramuscular fat is an important meat quality trait in pig production. Pre viously, genetic variants of the heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) gene and the adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) gene were sugges ted to be associated with intramuscular fat content. The objective of this investigation was to study these associations in the three most important A ustrian breeding populations (Pietrain, Large White, and Landrace). Restric tion fragment length polymorphism analysis of the H-FABP gene revealed a ne w MspI polymorphic site and genetic variation in all three breeds. Microsat ellite analysis of the A-FABP locus showed up to nine different microsatell ite alleles segregating. In Austrian breeds, no significant influence of th e A-FABP and H-FABP gene polymorphisms on intramuscular fat could be detect ed. We also evaluated possible associations between the genetic variations at the H-FABP and A-FABP loci and other growth and carcass traits (average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, lean meat content, pH values, meat color , and drip loss). With regard to the extent of the effects, these genetic m arkers cannot be recommended for selection on growth and carcass traits in Austrian breeding populations.