Linkage and QTL mapping for Sus scrofa chromosome 8

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 8 (SSC8) were constructed using seven markers in three F-2 families based on Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and Wild Boar (W) crosses. The maps were similar for the pedigrees and in agreement with published maps. Most quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found for the W x P family, while only minor QTLs were detected in the M x P and W x M families. SSC8 harbours QTLs mapped in interval SW905 to SW933 explaining up to 6% of the F-2 phenotypic variance for body conformation, carcass and growth trait alleles positively influenced carcass traits, with additive effects often larger than dominance effects. For food conversion ratio a large dominance QTL effect was observed in the M x P family.