A genetic marker, Gentec – IGF2 with a major effect on muscle mass and fat deposition, has recently been identified.

The effects of the Gentec - IGF2 marker on muscle mass and leanness are at least of the same magnitude of those reported for the halothane gene but without any of the well-known deleterious effects on meat quality and animal health observed for the halothane gene. The new marker is linked to a higher percentage of saleable meat in ham, loin and other lean cuts and all with reduced back fat thickness.

A uniquely important additional asset of the Gentec - IGF2 marker is the way in which it is inherited. The marker shows “paternal imprinting”. This means that only the gene coming from the father will be expressed in the offspring. The gene coming from the mother has no effect on the phenotype of the offspring. In practice, all progeny of a boar that is homozygous for the Gentec - IGF2 marker will have high expected scores for lean growth and muscle mass.

The breeding value and therefore the predictability of the results from these boars will be markedly increased. The marker has a proven and significantly positive impact on carcass uniformity and will considerably enhance the mean muscle mass of slaughter pigs.

You can contact us for more informations or ordering directly the analysis of your samples by using the attached documents (multiple tests on one animal or one test on multiple animals).