The objective of this study was to identify susceptibility loci for umbilical and scrotal/ inguinal hernias using a genome scan in a White Druoc × Erhualian F2 intercross. Several previously reported chromosomal regions for scrotal/inguinal hernia were validated, and new evidence for linkage with this pig defect was found. Moreover, several susceptibility loci for pig umbilical hernia were detected for the first time. Further studies will be devoted to confirming the detected markers for scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernias in outbred populations. Identification of causative mutations or closely linked markers for scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernias could be used in marker-assisted selection schemes for removal of this genetic defect.

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