Identification and characterisation of quantitative trait loci for carcass composition and meat quality in rabbits

The aim of the research project is the determining of genome regions which influence meat quality, carcass composition in rabbits. Until now there are only few available information about the molecular genetic fundamentals of fattening, carcass composition and meat quality traits in rabbits. The mapping of QTL and the study of candidate genes provide the requirements for the analysis of associations between genetic variants and phenotypical traits. For this purpose we produced a resource population with the rabbit races German giants (grey) and New Zealand (white). For each of the 450 F2-animals about 30 phenotypical traits will be recorded. The F2-animals will be typed with informative microsatellite markers for the analyses of QTL. Postitional candidate genes will be selected in the determined chromosome regions. These genes will be analysed in the pure breed races regarding their polymorphisms, and they will be examined in the resource population to estimate their effects on the performance traits. The expected results will improve the state of knowledge about the molecular genetic basics of the performance traits in rabbits.