It was investigated the association between leptin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) T2411C and T3266G with carcass traits in F2 pigs obtained by crossing native Brazilian Piau with commercial sows composed of Landrace, Large White and Pietrain breeds. Association analyses were performed using a statistical model that included genotype, sex, and batch as fixed effects, sire and error as random effects. The T2411C SNP was associated with skinless and fatless boston shoulder weight (BSW), backfat thickness at last rib, 6.5 cm from the midline (P2), skinless and fatless picnic shoulder weight, and sirloin weight (SLW). The T3266G mutation was associated with slaughter age, bacon weight, BSW, midline backfat thickness between last and last but one lumbar vertebra, midline backfat thickness at last rib, P2 and rib weight. Phenotypic associations were also performed by combining genotypes for both SNPs. Associations with P2, carcass yield, total boston shoulder weight, and SLW were observed. The results obtained demonstrate that the SNPs analyzed have potential to be explored as markers for carcass composition in pigs.
candidate gene; pig genomics; pig production
