Association between an electron transfer flavoprotein alpha subunit polymorphism (rs321948383) and the meat quality of Berkshire pigs. Issue 1 (1st January 2018) - Yang, Seung Chang
ABSTRACT: The electron transfer flavoprotein α subunit gene (ETFA) encodes a protein that forms part of the ETF enzyme. This enzyme is normally active in mitochondria, the energy-producing centres of cells, to donate electrons derived from fatty acid oxidation to ETF- ubiquinone oxidoreductase. In the present study, we identified a non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) (rs321948383, c.569G > A) in the porcine ETFA gene and analyzed the association between this nsSNP and meat quality traits in 405 Berkshire pigs. The pigs with rs321948383 G/G had a higher meat quality from the aspects of meat colour (L*, p = 0.013), water-holding capacity ( p = 0.001), drip loss ( p = 0.000), carcass temperatures (T1, p = 0.000; T4, p = 0.000; T12, p = 0.000; T24, p = 0.001), and pH24 ( p = 0.014). Therefore, this nsSNP (c.569G > A) could play an important role in improving the meat quality of pigs.