Abstract
Marker-assisted selection has increasingly relied on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as robust genetic markers, particularly in livestock breeding programs. In pig farming, embryonic mortality significantly affects litter size, and SNPs in reference genes have been implicated as potential causal factors. We developed and optimized a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (T-ARMS) PCR assay for rapid, cost-effective detection of SNPs in 3 candidate genes-TADA2A, PORL1B, URB1-that are associated with embryonic lethality and reproductive performance. Primer sets were designed based on known mutation sites and validated using synthetic gene constructs and porcine genomic DNA from pigs of Duroc and Landrace breeds. Optimization of annealing temperatures and primer concentration ratios yielded distinct and reproducible allele-specific amplicon patterns that were corroborated by PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing. Our T-ARMS PCR protocol, which requires minimal equipment and reduces processing time to <3 h, had high specificity and efficiency in differentiating wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous mutant genotypes in 20 Duroc and 20 Landrace pigs. Our Tetra-ARMS PCR assay is a robust and economically viable tool for SNP genotyping in pig breeding programs, potentially contributing to the reduction of embryonic lethality and the improvement of overall reproductive outcomes.