Pigendef project aims at selection against genetic defects in pigs

In the Pigendef project, the three most common congenital genetic defects are studied: scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernia, and cryptorchidism (underscended testicles). The Pigedef project focuses on the rapid identification of the variation in genes underlying these congenital disorders in pigs for effective marker-assisted selection.

In the Pigendef project, the three most common congenital genetic defects are studied: scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernia, and cryptorchidism (underscended testicles). The Pigedef project focuses on the rapid identification of the variation in genes underlying these congenital disorders in pigs for effective marker-assisted selection. In order to achieve this goal, pigs are genotyped using the 60K Porcine SNP chip and analyzed using the latest, tailor-made genome wide association analysis software. 

The project is coordinated by Professor Nadine Buys of the research group of livestock genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium. There are two other research partners and five SME partners involved, among them Norsvin and RA-SE Genetics. They play an important role in supplying both data and finance and therefore obtain the greatest part of the intellectual property rights. 

The scientific importance of the preliminary results was presented at the conferences of the European Association of Animal production 2011 in Stavanger, Norway, and at the International Society of Animal Genetics 2012 in Cairns, Australia. The implementation of this technology will allow RA-SE Genetics as one of the first breeding organizations to give extra guarantees to partners and customers. This will be an important contribution in improving animal welfare and the sustainability of the pig production sector.

Page 1 of 51
Next Page