Characterization of eQTLs associated with androstenone by RNA sequencing in porcine testis (RNASeq Database)

Boar taint is an offensive odour and flavour from developed in a proportion of non-castrated male pigs (boars). Surgical castration is an effective solution but is under debate due to animal welfare concerns. Gene-based selection for low boar taint has been proposed as concentrations of the main compounds responsible for boar taint (androstenone and skatole [AS]) exhibit heritability but candidate biomarkers are lacking. The aims of this study were to identify expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) associated with AS in order to aid development of candidate biomarkers and to generate insights into biological pathways. Overall design: A total of 48 Danish crossbred Duroc X Landrace/Yorkshire male pigs with divergent androstenone and skatole concentrations were subjected to genotyping of loin muscle. Of these, a total of 32 pigs were subjected to RNA-sequencing of the testis. A group of pigs received a chicory-additive three days before slaughter. Expression quantitative traits (eQTLs) associated with AS were revealed by the Matrix eQTL software. The genes and SNP markers associated with the eQTLs were discussed as candidate biomarkers.