摘要:
The present invention relates to polymorphisms in the promoter region of the porcine stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene which is related to high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in intramuscular fat in the animal. The invention also relates to reagents suitable for the detection of said polymorphism as well as to methods for non-invasively evaluating in live animals and in meat products derived from said animals the presence of high levels of MUFAs. The invention also relates to a method for selecting pigs with a high degree of fatty acid unsaturation in intramuscular and/or subcutaneous fat based on the detection of said polymorphism in the offspring resulting from crossing pigs carrying the polymorphism.