Genetics research could lead to tailor-made pigs (6/15/2008)

Research by Kate Fowler, a PhD student at the Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, has provided a boost to pig producers wanting to tailor their animals to specific markets.

Her research, which has been sponsored by JSR Genetics, is aiming to identify fat gene markers which will allow geneticists to predict how and when fat is laid down in the carcass. Kate Fowler described her research as being a natural progression to the mapping of the pig genome undertaken at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh - and one that could lead to significant practical applications, including human health.

Dr Grant Walling, Director of Research and Genetics at JSR, agrees. He said: 'We are delighted to have Kate Fowler and the University of Kent conduct this research on our behalf. As pig breeders with a worldwide presence, it's abundantly clear to us that there are cultural variations in meat preferences; for example, Asian markets prefer a fattier meat to those in the west.

'Helping our customers to meet these demands has always been a priority and the focus for our own research programmes. The fat markers identified will allow geneticists to predict how, where and when fat is likely to be deposited, helping producers to tailor products to specific retail markets and devise detailed feeding regimes.'

Kate Fowler said: 'Among others, delegates at the recent Pig Breeders Round Table meeting at the University have taken a major interested in my research, which involves amplification of pig DNA, a method that allows near unlimited amounts of DNA to be produced from any of JSR's pigs - samples that will then be analysed in order to find regions of the pig genome which are associated with all aspects of fat deposition.'

Darren Griffin, Professor of Genetics at the Department of Biosciences and Kate Fowler's academic supervisor, said: 'The Department specialises in human fertility and genetic disease and, as such, has already established a close relationship with JSR Genetics. We have always found the exchange of ideas and experiences mutually rewarding - it really is a win-win situation, especially as pig breeding involves traits that are significant to humans, such as disease resistance and, as in this case, fatness.'

Dr Walling added: 'We are looking forward to receiving the results of Kate's research and also to her joining us for her industrial placement. It's always good to hear fresh ideas and understand new approaches, and we already have a number of specific breeding programmes lined up for Kate to work on.'

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Kent

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