Assessment of variability of genes associated with meat quality traits in Cinta Senese pigs.

Cinta Senese is an autochthonous Tuscan pig breed, accounting for about 2-3,000 individuals. The breed is characterized by high ability to live outdoor on chestnut and acorn woods, low growth performances, good meat and fat quality and its commercial value is linked to high quality seasoned products. Studies on commercial pig breeds and lines have identified that mutations in several genes affect directly or are associated with meat quality traits. Here, we assessed allele frequencies at some of these loci in a sample of Cinta Senese pigs, representing from 1,3 to 6,6% of the whole population. This was a first step to evaluate, eventually, selection strategies aimed at preserving or improving meat quality traits in this breed.