| First Author | Calvert CC | Year | 1986 |
| Journal | J Anim Sci | Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 77-85 |
| PubMed ID | 3957811 | Mgi Jnum | J:8237 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:56706 | Doi | 10.2527/jas1986.62177x |
| Citation | Calvert CC, et al. (1986) Efficiency of growth in mice with a major gene for rapid postweaning gain. J Anim Sci 62(1):77-85 |
| abstractText | Previous research in this laboratory demonstrated the existence of a major gene (hg), inherited as a homozygous recessive, which increases postweaning growth by 40 to 50% in C57Bl/6 mice (Ch) compared to the same genetic stock without the major gene (CH). Although its effect has not been previously evaluated, this single recessive allele is also in a line of mice selected for rapid postweaning gain for over 70 generations. Gh represents that line of mice with the major gene for growth (hg) in the growth-selected background and GH the growth-selected background without the major gene. Total body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption and gain/feed, measured daily from 21 to 42 d of age, were all significantly greater (p less than .01) in the two lines with the hg/hg genotype (Ch and Gh) compared with their respective control lines (CH and GH). Differences in body composition at 42 d of age between CH compared with Ch and GH compared with Gh were accounted for by difference in body weight. Gross and net energetic efficiency, calculated assuming a similar maintenance energy requirement, were improved (P less than .01) in Ch and Gh compared to CH and GH, respectively. The results demonstrated that hg influences growth in growth-neutral and growth-selected backgrounds. The gene also alters energy metabolism by increasing energetic efficiency of growth and(or) decreasing maintenance energy requirement. |
