<b>Integrated GWAS, Meta-Analysis, and Bayesian Fine Mapping Reveal Novel QTLs and Functional Candidate Genes for Vulva Traits in Large White Pigs</b>_Chip data

The reproductive performance of pigs is crucial for agricultural production, and the vulva traits of sows—such as length, width, and angle—directly impact breeding efficiency. For example, gilts with small or upward-tilted vulva are often culled, limiting the size and efficiency of breeding herds. To improve the retention rate of breeding females, we conducted this study to explore the key genes and genetic mechanisms underlying these traits using genomics. We collected data on vulva traits from 2,197 gilts across three Large White pig populations (from PIC, Topigs, and Canada) and used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and meta-analysis techniques, combined with Bayesian fine mapping, to systematically identify genetic loci and candidate genes associated with these traits. Through these methods, we discovered several new significant loci and identified potential candidate genes such as <i>SDC2</i>, <i>MTERF3</i>, <i>VIP</i>, <i>POP1</i>, and <i>PSMA1</i> that may play important roles in regulating vulva traits. These findings provide new insights into the genetic mechanisms of reproductive traits in pigs and offer a vital molecular basis for future breeding programs. By using marker-assisted selection (MAS) or genomic selection (GS), we can more effectively improve vulva traits, thereby increasing the retention rate and productivity of breeding females. This not only enhances the economic benefits of pig farming but also improves animal welfare by reducing the culling of gilts due to reproductive issues猪的繁殖性能对农业生产至关重要，而母猪的外阴性状（如长度、宽度与角度）直接影响育种效率。例如，外阴过小或向上倾斜的后备母猪通常会被淘汰，这会限制育种母猪群的规模与育种效率。为提升育种母猪的留存率，本研究借助基因组学技术，探究调控此类性状的关键基因与遗传机制。本研究收集了来自PIC、Topigs以及加拿大三个大白猪群体共2197头后备母猪的外阴性状数据，并采用全基因组关联研究（Genome-Wide Association Studies, GWAS）、元分析技术结合贝叶斯精细定位方法，系统筛选与此类性状相关的遗传位点与候选基因。通过上述方法，本研究发现了多个新的显著遗传位点，并筛选出SDC2、MTERF3、VIP、POP1与PSMA1等潜在候选基因，这些基因可能在调控外阴性状中发挥重要作用。本研究结果为解析猪繁殖性状的遗传机制提供了新视角，也为后续育种工作提供了重要的分子基础。借助标记辅助选择（Marker-Assisted Selection, MAS）或基因组选择（Genomic Selection, GS）技术，我们可以更高效地改良母猪外阴性状，进而提升育种母猪的留存率与生产性能。这不仅能够提升养猪产业的经济效益，还可通过减少因繁殖问题淘汰后备母猪的情况，改善动物福利水平。

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集包含大型白猪外阴性状（如长度、宽度和角度）的芯片数据，用于支持一项综合基因组研究。研究通过GWAS、元分析和贝叶斯精细定位方法，在2,197头母猪中识别了新的QTL和候选基因（如SDC2、MTERF3），旨在提高母猪保留率和繁殖效率。这些发现为猪的遗传育种提供了分子基础，可应用于标记辅助选择或基因组选择。