Here, we analysed quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition, one of the factors
affecting fat quality, in a Japanese wild boar · Large White cross. We found 25 significant
effects for 17 traits at 13 positions at the 5% genome-wise level, of which 16 effects for 12
traits at 10 positions were significant at the 1% level. QTL for saturated fatty acids (SFA) in
back fat were mapped to swine (Sus scrofa) chromosomes (SSC) 1p, 9 and 15. QTL for
unsaturated fatty acids in back fat were mapped to SSC1p, 1q, 4, 5, 9, 15 and 17. Using a
regression model that fits back fat thickness as a covariate, two of the QTL for linoleic acid
content on SSC4 and SSC17 were not significant, but one QTL for total SFA composition
was detected on SSC5 with correction for back fat thickness. Wild boar alleles at six of seven
QTL tended to increase SFAs and to decrease unsaturated fatty acids. QTL for fatty acid
composition in perirenal fat were mapped on SSC2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 16 and X. QTL for melting
point (in back fat samples) were mapped on SSC1, 2 and 15. Wild boar alleles in QTL on
SSC1 and SSC15 were associated with elevated melting points whereas those on SSC2 were
associated with lower melting point measurements.