The growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) gene polymorphism and its association with meatiness of Polish Large White pigs

The GH gene pathway contains various interdependent genes such as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and others. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between polymorphism in the GHRH gene and the meatiness of Polish Large White pigs. One hundred and ninety six Polish Large White gilts were used in the study. The following traits were used for the performance test: body weight, daily gain, two measurements of backfat thickness, muscle thickness and selection index. A restriction fragment length polymorphism was detected within the PCR amplification product of porcine GHRH gene using the restriction enzyme AIuI. We found 250 and 100 bp fragments for allele A, and 230 and 100 bp fragments for allele B. No significant differences were detected between genotypes in GHRH locus and meatiness traits in the analysed population of Polish Large White gilts. A study with another (i.e. commercial) herd is also needed to determine the overall effects of the GHRH gene polymorphism, particularly in crossbred herds.