We are pleased to share that the scientific paper entitled “Determining the Presence of a Polymorphism in the Calpastatin (CAST) Gene Locus and Its Influence on Some Fattening Traits in Danube White Pigs” has been published in the journal Life.
The first author of the publication is Katya Eneva from the Agricultural Institute of Shumen, who is also an active member of WG2 within the EU-LI-PHE network.
The study investigated the presence of polymorphisms in the calpastatin (CAST) gene and their association with fattening and carcass traits in Danube White pigs. Using PCR-RFLP genotyping and phenotypic analyses performed with ultrasound technology, the researchers identified two alleles and three genotypes within the studied population. The findings demonstrated that animals carrying the DD genotype showed favorable production characteristics, including lower back fat thickness and higher lean meat percentage, highlighting the potential relevance of CAST polymorphisms in pig breeding and livestock phenomics.
This publication represents another important contribution to the growing body of research connecting genetics, animal production, and precision livestock approaches across Europe. You can access the full text here.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Eneva and all co-authors on this achievement and wish continued success, impactful collaborations, and many more high-quality publications to all members of the EU-LI-PHE community.
