Mary Allen
Introduction: Brown Pigmentation in Swine
Brown pigmentation in swine is an important trait that affects the appearance and market value of the animal. The brown coloration is caused by the presence of melanin, a pigment that is produced by cells called melanocytes. The melanin is responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes of the pig, and also plays a role in protecting the pig from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
The Genetics of Pigmentation in Swine
The color of the pig is determined by the interaction of several genes, including the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene, and the tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene. These genes regulate the production and distribution of melanin in the skin and hair of the pig. Different combinations of these genes can result in different color patterns, including brown, black, white, and spotted. Brown pigs typically have a dominant allele of the MC1R gene that produces eumelanin, a type of melanin that is responsible for black and brown colors.