Polymorphisms associated with the degree of unsaturation of intramuscular fat in pigs

摘要

The present invention relates to polymorphisms in the promoter region of the porcine origin stearyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene that relates to elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the intramuscular fat of the animal. The invention also relates to reagents suitable for the detection of said polymorphism as well as methods for evaluating in non-invasive live animals and in meat products derived therefrom the presence of high levels of MUFA. The invention also relates to a method for selecting pigs with a high degree of unsaturation of fatty acids in intramuscular and / or subcutaneous fat based on the detection of said polymorphism in the progeny resulting from the crossing of pigs carrying the polymorphism.