M. A. Kolosova1, T. S. Romanets2 , E. A. Romanets2
1 All-Russian Research Institute for Breeding, Lesnye Polyany settlement, Moscow region, Russia
2 Don State Agrarian University, Persianovskiy settlement, Rostov region, Russia
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Volume 26 No. 3
Date of paper submission: 02.12.2025, date of review: 26.01.2026, date of acceptance: 30.01.2026
Published: 03/31/2026
Abstract. Duroc pigs are widely sought after in industrial pig production as an effective terminal line used in hybridization systems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their productivity is becoming a critical factor for further breed improvement in intensive production conditions. The purpose of this review was to analyze and systematize scientific data on the characteristics of Duroc pigs, as well as the genetic architecture of breedingsignificant traits associated with key breeding trends, and to identify the most significant quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for accelerating genetic progress. Methods. The study is a systematic review of domestic and international publications, including an analysis of data from annual publications on breeding work in the Russian Federation and the results of genomic studies. The following online resources were used: Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) (https://www.elibrary.ru), PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), and google.com. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive examination of the Duroc breed as a genetically heterogeneous population whose structure can vary depending on the breeding trend. The relationship between productivity indicators and specific biological pathways was identified and structured, expanding our understanding of the polygenic nature of pig productivity. Results. The analysis revealed that, despite the growing popularity of the Duroc breed in Russia (8.1 % of the breeding population), classical selection methods are limited by the low heritability of several traits and the presence of genetic correlations. This review presents promising candidate genes influencing average daily gain, precocity (age at 100 kg), backfat thickness and intramuscular fat content, feed efficiency, and feed consumption (including conversion and residual intake). Using whole-genome information will allow for a more accurate consideration of the combined effects of multiple genes and overcome the challenges associated with the breed's genetic heterogeneity, thereby accelerating genetic progress in Russian Duroc pig populations.
Keywords: pigs, Duroc breed, productivity traits, genes, SNPs, GWAS
Acknowledgments. The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation No. 23-76-10009, https://rscf.ru/project/23-76-10009/
For citation: Kolosova M. A., Romanets E. A., Romanets T. S. Characteristics of Duroc pig breeds and the genetic architecture of breeding-important traits. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (03): 483‒495.. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-03-483-495 (In Russ.)
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