The visfatin (NAMPT; PBEF1) gene polymorphisms and associations with meat performance traits in three pig breeds kept in the Czech Republic.

Visfatin encoded by the NAMPT gene (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, formerly also known as PBEF - pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor) is suggested to play a role in lipid metabolism and pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus type 2. A new microsatellite SCZ004 was detected within intron 9 of the NAMPT gene. In Czech Large White (n = 95) frequencies of alleles 282, 286, 287, 299, and 304 were 0.02, 0.39, 0.07, 0.04, and 0.48, respectively. Allele 286 was predominant also in Landrace (n = 11) and Black Pied Prestice (n = 11) breeds. Association analysis was carried out between previously reported SNP AM999341: g.669T>C in intron 9 of the NAMPT gene and backfat thickness, average daily gain and lean meat content in Czech Large White (n = 215), Black Pied Prestice (n = 96) and Landrace (n = 105). The CC genotype was associated with higher backfat thickness (P <= 0.01) in Black Pied Prestice, however in Czech Large White CC was associated with lower backfat thickness when compared to TT and CT genotypes (P <= 0.05). In Czech Large White, CC genotype was associated with higher lean meat content when compared to CT (not significant) and TT genotype (P <= 0.05) while in Landrace CC had the lowest lean meat content when compared to CT and TT genotypes but only the difference between CC and CT was statistically significant (P <= 0.05). In Black Pied Prestice no association with lean meat content was found. Average daily gain was not associated with the SNP in any breed.