Association of Mx1 gene polymorphism with some economic traits in Meishan pigs

This study was conducted to determine the association of polymorphisms in exon 14 of the Mx1 gene with significant economic traits in Meishan pigs, with the aim of identifying genetic markers of disease resistance. PCR-RFLP analysis of exon 14 of the Mx1 gene was conducted and associations with some cytokine levels (IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12), early body weight (birth weight, 20-day weight, and 40-day weight), and reproductive performance within different parities (total number born, number born alive, number in live weaning litter, birth weight, and weaning weight) were analyzed. The results showed that there were AA, AB, and BB genotypes defined, while a G36T mutation was identified in BB genotype individuals of Meishan pigs. Correlation analysis indicated that the IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher in the AA genotype than the AB genotype (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the levels of other cytokines, early body weight, and reproductive performance among the three genotypes. These data indicated that selective molecular breeding practices may enhance the antiviral capability of Meishan pigs without detrimental influences on early body weight, development, and reproductive performance.