Two new candidate genes for growth and meat quality traits were studied. The porcine beta-tropomyosin (TPM2) and the agouti-related protein (AGRP) genes were chosen based on their presumed role in growth and meat quality traits. These genes were genetically mapped and were linked to several markers on porcine chromosomes (SSC) 1 and 6, respectively. Both genes also were physically mapped using a pig/rodent somatic cell hybrid panel. The physical locations of the genes are consistent with linkage results and previous chromosome painting results indicating conserved (similar) regions between human and pig chromosomes. Association studies of the AGRP and TPM2 polymorphisms with growth and meat quality traits in commercial pig populations provided preliminary evidence that an AGRP polymorphism may be associated with variation in several traits of interest for pig breedin
