Genetic Control of Immune Traits in Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Flori Laurence, Gao Yu, Laloë Denis, Lemonnier Gaëtan, Leplat Jean-Jacques, Teillaud Angélique, Cossalter Anne-Marie, Laffitte Joëlle, Pinton Philippe, de Vaureix Christiane, Bouffaud Marcel, Mercat Marie-José, Lefèvre François, Oswald Isabelle P., Bidanel Jean-Pierre, Rogel-Gaillard Claire
Primary Institution: INRA, UMR 1313 de Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
Hypothesis
Levels of immune traits define an individual's immunocompetence and predict response to pathogens.
Conclusion
Variation in many innate and adaptive immune traits is genetically controlled in pigs.
Supporting Evidence
- 54 immune traits were studied in pigs vaccinated against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.
- 18 immune traits showed moderate heritability, while 30 showed high heritability.
- Phenotypic and genetic correlations between immune traits were generally weak.
Takeaway
Scientists studied pigs to see how their immune traits are inherited, finding that many traits are controlled by genes.
Methodology
The study analyzed 54 immune traits in 443 pigs using principal component analysis and genetic parameter estimation.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting immune traits.
Participant Demographics
Large White pigs, castrated males, from 307 nuclear families.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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