Effect of IGF2 intron3-g.3072G>A on intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pigs raised in Poland

Imprinted IGF2 gene has been intensively studied with regard to its effect on muscularity of pigs. Positive effect of A allele of IGF2 intron3-g.3072G>A on meat percentage in the carcass is well documented, while its effect on meat quality traits and intramuscular fat (IMF) remains elusive. In the present study, performed on 628 Large White, Polish Landrace and Puławska pigs we show that IGF2 intron3-g.3072G>A is associated with the IMF of the meat (p<0.001). We observed highly significant additive effect (a=0.246, p<0.001) for IMF content when all breeds were analyzed together. Animals with G/G genotype had significantly higher IMF than A/A animals and heterozygotes. Our results suggest that IGF2 may influence IMF content in pigs.