<b>Integrated GWAS, Meta-Analysis, and Bayesian Fine Mapping Reveal Novel QTLs and Functional Candidate Genes for Vulva Traits in Large White Pigs</b>_pheno 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，而母猪外阴性状（如长度、宽度与角度）直接影响繁殖效率。例如，外阴过小或向上倾斜的后备母猪通常会被淘汰，进而限制繁殖母猪群的规模与繁殖效率。为提升繁殖母猪的留存率，本研究依托基因组学技术，探究调控此类性状的关键基因与遗传机制。研究收集了来自3个大白猪种群（分别来自PIC、托佩克（Topigs）和加拿大）的2197头后备母猪的外阴性状数据，并结合全基因组关联分析（genome-wide association studies, GWAS）、荟萃分析（meta-analysis）与贝叶斯精细定位（Bayesian fine mapping）技术，系统鉴定与该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及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全新视角，同时为后续育种工作提供了关键的分子基础。借助标记辅助选择（marker-assisted selection, MAS）或基因组选择（genomic selection, GS）技术，可更高效地改良母猪外阴性状，进而提升繁殖母猪的留存率与生产性能。这不仅能增强养猪业的经济效益，还可减少因繁殖问题淘汰后备母猪的情况，从而改善动物福利。